Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) — An authentic renewal requires surrendering ourselves to Jesus and allowing Him to reform and purify us, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said during the Chrism mass on Maundy Thursday.
“We all need to be renewed, not just the priests, but all of us, people of God,” Advincula said during his homily. “We need to summon the Holy Spirit once again to anoint us, to animate us.”
The Cardinal pointed out that there are many areas in our lives that need recreating. “Our faith needs to be renewed. And even the Church and especially, the Church needs recreating,” he said.
He warned that a Church that is not open to renewal easily grows old, insignificant and obsolete. But a Church that is docile, responsive, and open to renewal remains young and vibrant.
“Ang Simbahan na takot sa pagbabago. Ang Simbahan na ayaw nang magbago. Ang Simbahan kung paano noon, ganun pa rin hanggang ngayon. Ang simbahang ganito ay mabilis tatanda,” Advincula said.
[Translation: The Church that is scared to change. The Church that does not want to change. The Church that was before, and remains the same. That kind of Church would easily age.]
The Cardinal explained that two important acts are performed in the Chrism mass: the renewal of commitment to priestly service by priests; and the consecration of the chrism and the blessing of the oil for the sick and for the catechumen.
“Why do priests have to publicly renew their priestly promises every year?’ Advincula asked. “Does it mean that there is an expiration to their promises? And how about the holy oils? Do they lose their efficacy or power after a year? Do they cease to be sacred or holy? After some time? The answer, of course, is no.”
He made it clear that the promises of the priests are lifetime commitments and the sacred oils will never cease to be bearers of God’s presence.
But Advincula noted that priests may forget and lose their zeal for the mission. As for the oils, he said they may lose their fragrance and effective material qualities.
Engage in inclusive love, service
During the evening mass of the Lord’s Supper, Advincula said expressing love should not only be “through words” but also “through deeds,” especially toward those in need.
“Huwag tayong matakot at ikahiya na ipakita ang ating pag-ibig sa ating kapwa tao sa pamamagitan sa pagdamay at pakikilakbay sa kanila,” Advincula said during his homily.
[Translation: Let us not be afraid and ashamed to show our love to our neighbors through sympathy and by journeying with them.]
“Huwag din tayong matakot at ikahiya na ipakita ang ating pagmamahal ating bayang Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pagiging mabuti, matuwid at matapat na mamayanan ” he added.
[Translation: Let us also not be afraid and ashamed to show our love for our country the Philippines by being a good, righteous and devoted citizen.]
This year, during the rites of the Washing of the Feet, the 12 apostles were represented by a kalesa, jeepney and motorcycle driver, farmer, medical and media practitioners, a government employee, religious missionaries and a Dumagat.
“Sa pamamagitan nila, nais natin ipakita na buhay ang diwa ng synodality, walang naiiwan, walang naglalakbay na mag-isa. Lahat tayo’y magkasama,” Advincula said.
[Translation: Through them, we would like to show that the spirit of synodality is present, no one is left behind, no one is journeying alone. We are all together.]
Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin word mandatum or command, which refers to the Washing of the Feet.
It marks the first day of the Paschal Triduum, which commemorates the Lord’s trial, death and resurrection.
CNN Philippines digital producer Mariel Celine Serquiña contributed to this story.
