Philippine Cardinal Urges Christians to Respond to Crises with Generosity

Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula urged Christians to respond to crises with generosity, understanding and courage, saying faith calls believers not to escape problems but to confront them with hope.

In his homily during the fiesta Mass of Sta. Elena Mission Station, Metro Manila, Philippines, on May 3, he reflected on the meaning of the Cross, which he said transformed from a symbol of punishment into a source of healing and salvation for Christians.

In their remembrance, the Cross of Jesus became a symbol of salvation, healing, restoration, and hope, Cardinal Advincula said.

Drawing from the day’s readings, he described different kinds of crises confronting Christian communities and the responses they demand from believers.

Referring to the early Christian community in the Acts of the Apostles, he spoke about the crisis of hunger and neglect, particularly toward widows who were being overlooked.

“They did not ignore the problem or pretend it did not exist. Instead, they took action,” he said.

The cardinal called on the faithful to practice generosity toward those in need, saying receiving the Eucharist also carries a social responsibility.

“The hand that receives the Body of Christ is also called to become the hand of Christ, one that feeds, cares and loves,” he said.

Cardinal Advincula also warned against division within communities, citing gossip, rivalry and judgment as forces that slowly destroy relationships.

“Communities are slowly torn apart by gossip, rivalry, judgment and the tendency to look down on others,” he said.

Christians, he said, are called to “lawakan ang isip” (open the mind) by choosing understanding over condemnation and listening over pride. Sometimes, what is needed is a broader perspective and a heart willing to understand.

Cardinal Advincula also reflected on fear and uncertainty, relating them to the anxiety experienced by the disciples before Jesus’ departure in the Gospel reading.

“We fear change. We fear uncertainty. We fear tomorrow,” he said

He urged the faithful to strengthen their courage through trust in God, saying it is not about escaping problems, but responding to them with faith, love and trust in God.

Cardinal Advincula concluded by encouraging devotees to embrace the Cross as a path toward hope and renewal.

“When we seek and find the Cross of Christ in our lives, we also find hope, direction and the fullness of life,” he said