UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. said Jesus Christ’s empty tomb is a reminder that doubt is the beginning of the search for truth and love, in his message during the Easter Vigil at the Santisimo Rosario Parish.
In his homily, Dagohoy said doubt and perplexity were the immediate reaction of those who first discovered the resurrection.
“Let the empty tomb of Jesus remind you that doubt was the first reaction of the people on the resurrection. It was not an obedient joy. [K]apag tayo ay nagdududa at nagtatanong, it would be the beginning of the search for truth and for love. The empty tomb reminds us that love includes doubt,” he said.
He said people who are “certain of everything” or never question are lifeless.
“Bahagi ng pagiging buhay ang pagtatanong at pagdududa. Those people who are so certain of everything, who have answers to unconceivable questions, those who don’t doubt, or don’t experience being perplexed, those who do not question, are lifeless,” he said.
Dagohoy urged parishioners to have the courage to “roll the stone of death” and give life to others as Christ did in His resurrection.
“As a Church and as a people, we should have the courage and strength to roll the stone of death. [B]ecause of Easter, God has given us life. Ang mga binigyan ng buhay ay dapat nagbibigay din ng buhay,” he said.
During the Easter Vigil, which ended the Holy Week Triduum, the Paschal Candle was lit from new fire, signifying Christ as the light of the world and his triumph over darkness. The faithful also renewed their baptismal promises.
Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., pastor of the Santisimo Rosario Parish, said Easter invites the Christian community to welcome God’s sacrifice and victory over death, even if non-believers find such ideas foolish.
“Sa mata ng mundo, ‘yun ay kahangalan. Pero sa mata ng mananampalataya, ‘yun ang pag-ibig ng Diyos,” Coronel said.
Coronel urged parishioners to set aside their own “rock” which might hinder their faith in God.
“Ano ang mga bato na nakahadlang para tayo ay mabuhay? Salubungin natin ang Panginoon sa ating puso. [T]ayo ay mga Easter people [at] may mga problema tayo pero harapin natin ito sa pananampalataya,” Coronel said.
The traditional “Salubong” procession depicting the reunion of the Risen Christ and the Blessed Mother was held inside the University before the Mass at dawn on Easter Sunday.
