As the Universal Church anticipates the Jubilee Year, two leading Filipino cardinals delivered heartfelt Christmas reflections, emphasizing hope, joy, and inclusivity.
Their messages called on Catholics to become bearers of light in a world longing for unity and peace, urging them to embody these virtues in their daily lives.
In his Christmas message, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila urged the faithful to be "agents of hope" and "heralds of joy" within their communities. He reminded them that Jesus, born among us, remains the ultimate source of hope and strength amid life’s adversities.
“Let us start our journey together as pilgrims of hope,” Advincula said, drawing parallels between the struggles of the first Christmas and the challenges of the modern world. “In this darkness, the light has shone, and hope was born.”
Advincula emphasized the intimate and transformative presence of Christ, describing how God took on human form to share in humanity’s struggles. “God, the creator of all things, has become so tiny that He could fit in a manger,” he said.
This profound act of humility, he explained, empowers believers to face their own adversities with faith and courage, knowing that God journeys alongside them.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, meanwhile, used his Christmas Eve homily to advocate for inclusivity and unity, echoing Pope Francis’ call for a Church that welcomes “todos”—everyone.
“Christmas invites us to open our hearts and minds, not just our homes, to welcome God through our hospitality toward one another,” David said.
He challenged the faithful to dismantle barriers of division based on race, gender, religion, or socio-economic status, underscoring that true peace can only be achieved by breaking down such walls.
Reflecting on Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, David highlighted the tragic irony of its current state, where physical walls divide communities amidst ongoing conflict.
He lamented that these barriers are a stark reminder of humanity’s distance from the peace proclaimed at Christmas.
Both cardinals’ messages converge on a shared vision for transformation. Cardinal Advincula’s call to hope and resilience complements Cardinal David’s appeal for inclusivity and unity, offering a roadmap for Catholics to live out the true spirit of Christmas.
Together, their reflections challenge the faithful to shine the light of Christ in a world yearning for redemption, peace, and solidarity.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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