Be the light in a world of greed, apathy, selfishness — Cardinal Advincula

During a Eucharistic celebration for the first day of the nine-day Simbang Gabi, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged the faithful to be like John the Baptist and be the light amid the darkness of the world.

He referred to greed, apathy or indifference, and selfishness as the source of darkness.

“Mga kapatid, wag tayong mapagod maging katulad ni Juan Bautistsa sa paghahanda at pagtutuwid ng atin mga puso para sa pagdating ng ating Panginoon. Tulad ni Juan Bautista, maging liwanag tayo,” Advicula said during his homily at the Manila Cathedral.

(My brothers and sisters, let us not be tired of being like John the Baptist in preparing and tuning our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. Like John the Baptist, let us be the light.)

The prelate also said Christmas is a season of giving, not just with material things but also with genuine acts of love and service.

“We go beyond our greed. It is a season of giving. Hindi lang ng mga tira-tira kung hindi mga handog na kasama ang sarili (Not just the leftovers but also offering oneself.)," Advicula said.

“May kahirapan sa mundo natin dahil marami ang madamot, makasarili. We can be light for others when we are faithful in our relationships, honest at work and in service, and loving in our dealings with others,” he added.

(There is poverty in our world because there are many greedy and selfish people. We can be light for others when we are faithful in our relationships, honest at work and in service, and loving in our dealings with others.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News