March 16 - 31 , 2018 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY 25
Nothing can stifle the joy of the Gospel- Pope Francis
Jesus was the first target of “ fake news ” spread by those who wanted spin and twist his message for their own benefit , Pope Francis said Palm Sunday , but stressed that despite the pride and skepticism of some , nothing can dampen the joy of Christ ’ s message or his Resurrection .
On the cross , Jesus died “ crying out his love for each of us : young and old , saints and sinners , the people of his times and of our own ,” the Pope said March 25 .
“ We have been saved by his cross ,” and despite the coldness and skepticism of some , “ no one can repress the joy of the Gospel ; no one , in any situation whatsoever , is far from the Father ’ s merciful gaze .”
Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims present for his Palm Sunday Mass in St . Peter ’ s Square . He began the liturgy at the obelisk in the center of the square , where he blessed the palms and olives to be used in the celebration . He then processed to the main altar and began Mass .
Palm Sunday also coincided with the diocesan celebration of World Youth Day , which this year holds the theme “ Do not be afraid Mary , for you have found favor with God .”
It also marked the end of the March 19-24 pre-synodal meeting in Rome , which gathered some 300 youth from around the world and drew participation from an additional 15,000 on social media . The event served as a precursor for the October synod of bishops on “ Young people , faith and the discernment of vocation .”
At the end of Sunday ’ s liturgy , young people presented Pope Francis with their conclusions , which were complied into a 16-page final document based on discussions held throughout the week .
“ There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible . Many ways to anesthetize them , to make them keep quiet , ask nothing , question nothing . There are many ways to sedate them , to keep them from getting involved , to make their dreams flat and dreary , petty and
plaintive ,” he said .
“ It is up to you not to keep quiet ,” he said , and “ even if others keep quiet , if we older people and leaders keep quiet , if the whole world keeps quiet and loses its joy , I ask you : Will you cry out ?”
After Mass Pope Francis led
Cardinal Tagle ’ s Palm Sunday message not for present administration pilgrims in praying the Angelus , asking that Mary would help each person to live Holy Week well . “ From her we learn the interior silence , the gaze of the heart and loving faith to follow Jesus on the path of the cross , which leads to the joyful light of the Resurrection .”( E . Harris , CNA )
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was not referring to the administration of President Rodrigo R . Duterte when he took a swipe at “ violent , cocky kings ” in his Palm Sunday sermon , Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Monday .
“ I ’ m sure he ( Tagle ) was referring to world leaders not from this country ,” Panelo said in an interview with Palace reporters .
In his Palm Sunday homily at the Manila Cathedral , Tagle said the world today has “ kings ” who are full of cockiness , devoid ( of ) humility and use violence , arms and intimidation .”
Tagle called on so-called “ modernday kings ” to instead emulate Jesus Christ who “ does not rely on violence , in arms , in swords , in bullets and guns ”.
“ I don ’ t think this administration feels alluded to or the leaders in this administration ,” Panelo responded when pressed for comment on Tagle ’ s remarks .
Panelo said the Duterte administration has not initiated violence against people , adding that law enforcers respond only to any assault on their lives in the process of arrest .
“ We have not initiated violence against innocent people . And the President , always , would not tolerate any police abuse ,” he said .
Panelo said Duterte had in fact warned police officers that “ there will be a hell to pay ” if they violate human rights amid the government ’ s intensified campaign against illegal drugs .
He described Duterte , a former mayor for two decades in Davao City , as “ very humble ” and “ soft-hearted
WWW . PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY . COM person ” and defender of every citizen ’ s rights .
“ So , I think , Cardinal Tagle is referring to world leaders who are violent and cocky ,” Panelo said .
In his own Holy Week message Sunday , Duterte urged Filipinos to “ reflect on the Catholic values and embody selflessness , compassion and love ”.
“ As we put our hands together in prayer , may we use this as an opportune time to rekindle our religious fervor and cherish our timehonored traditions as a pious people ,” Duterte said .
The President wished the Filipino people “ a deeply meaningful and solemn observance of the Holy Week ”
“ Let us take a moment to pause in the spirit of contemplation and work and unite as one people to build a truly equitable and inclusive nation where everyone can enjoy a decent and comfortable life ,” he said . ( PNA )