March 26, 2016, 10:20a.m. – DOMINICAN preachers urged Filipinos to follow Christ’s example of humility and mercy in Good Friday’s “Siete Palabras” or “Seven Last Words” at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.
On the 21st year of the Siete Palabras, broadcast nationwide by GMA Network, Dominicans again linked the last words of Christ before his death on the cross to current events, with the Church observing the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Dominicans marking the 800th founding anniversary of the Order of Preachers, and the nation set to go to the polls in May.
Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., parish priest of Santisimo Rosario Parish in UST, highlighted the unconditional love of Jesus for his people in reflecting on the first of Jesus Christ’s last words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Individuals should follow Christ’s example in loving and forgiving one another. ”Siya ay nahirapan ngunit ang kapakanan pa rin natin ang inisip ng Panginoon,” Fr. Coronel said.
In the second of Jesus’ last words, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise,” Fr. Filemon de la Cruz Jr., O.P., UST vice rector for religious affairs, said the faithful should emulate the endless mercy and forgiveness shown by God toward sinners. “Mukha lang madali ang kapatawarang iginawad sa atin ng Diyos ngunit katumbas nito ang kanyang buong buhay,” he said.
Fr. Ernesto Arceo, O.P., rector and president of Aquinas University of Legazpi, reflected on the third of Jesus’ last words, “Dear woman, this is your son.”
The country’s next leader should have the ability to rid the government of corruption, he said. “Kung ano ang tama at makatarungan, iyan ang ipinagagawa ni Kristo ngayong nalalapit na halalan. Panahon na para tayo ay gumawa ng tama at magmilagro sa ating sariling bansa,” Fr. Arceo said.
Reflecting on the fourth of Jesus Christ’s last words, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me,” Fr. Napoleon Sipalay Jr., O.P., prior of the Convent of the Our Lady of the Rosary in Manaoag, reminded the faithful of the importance of prayer and the Word of God not only in times of trouble but also during the high moments of life.
Fr. Mandy Malijan, O.P. reflected on the fifth of the Seven Last Words, “I am thirsty.” He called for action on the environment. He asked: “Paano nga ba natin mapapawi ang pagkauhaw ng Diyos?”
Giving his reflection on the sixth of the seven last words, “It is finished,” Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P., rector of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila, said the upcoming national elections should focus on the candidates’ platforms. ”Hangad nating lahat ang masayang pagtatapos. Ang susunod na kabanata ay nasa atin na. Sikapin nating ganapin ang mensahe ng wikang ito sa kabanalan at kabutihan,” Fr. Marquez said.
Veteran preacher Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O.P. explained the seventh and last word of Jesus Christ, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.”
He stressed the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, and the Lord’s power to control things. “Magdasal upang makakonekta sa Diyos, ang nag-iisa na walang pagod ang kabaitan,” Fr. Gonzales said.
Performers in the annual event included Jaime Rivera, UST seminarian Kenneth Parsad, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, students from Letran College of Calamba, and the Letran Manila Filipiniana Dance Company. Krystel Nicole A. Sevilla with reports from Lea Mat Vicencio
