HOMILY ON SUNDAY IN LUKAY 2026

Please look around and say: “Jesus is the one we will follow, not Judas who will be betrayed. ”

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this Sunday we begin the celebration of Holy Week.

We bring wells, with joy. I sang “Hosanna!” “But deep in our hearts, we know that this journey leads to and leads to the Cross.

Sunday at Lukay is not just a celebration. This is an invitation—an invitation to walk with Jesus toward the cross, and up to His resurrection and ascension to Heaven.

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Jesus Enters Our Pain

When Jesus went to Jerusalem, He didn’t create a perfect world. He entered a place filled with tension, fear, and hidden pain. He entered the lives of those who were tired, worried, and insecure.

Wouldn’t this be the situation for many of us today?

So many of our families have suffered. The price of voters has gone up significantly. Many are struggling with day to day necessities. There are parents who can’t sleep at night, silently asking: “How can I feed my family the next few days? ”

Many suffer in silence—smiling on the outside, but crying on the inside.

If you are not in that situation, thank God. Maybe people would say, “you are blessed”. But in the eyes of God, then we will consider it blessed when you share your blessings with others.

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To those who are struggling to be siblings,

I want you to feel that you are not alone in your ups and downs. You have a partner in your situation. It’s time we lift each other up.

And above all—Jesus our God will unite us. He will never leave nor forsake us in our troubles.

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From “Hosanna” to the Cross

It’s easy to carry a bridge. It’s easy to say “Hosanna! “But this Holy Week challenges us with the question: Will we stay with Jesus, even on the way of the Cross?

Following Jesus is not only during the cold weather but also during the testing times. Following Jesus isn’t just about praising Him—it’s about following His actions and becoming like Him.

And what can we find in Jesus?

A love that is willing to give. A passion to serve. A love that never turns its back on pain. A love that is loyal, especially to the poor siblings.

Therefore, we should focus on what He says: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink” (Matthew 25:35). These are not just beautiful words. This is our mission. This is our duty as followers of Christ.

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A Call from the Heart

In this time of adversity, I encourage you to stand together in the face of trials. Let’s make every parish a place where no one goes hungry, no one feels alone, and no one loses hope.

First of all, no one should get hungry.

If Jesus gave His Body for us, can we not share the blessings we receive from God with others?

I encourage all parishes, through their Parish Caritas or Commission on Service, to take concrete steps. Example:

• Organize a regular feeding program for the hungry, especially the children, the elderly, and the vulnerable.

• Establish a community pantry in the parish.

• Encourage parishioners to share at least one kilo of rice or one bread for the poor.

Dear people, let’s not allow any hungry man to go unattended and helped in the Christian society. And we share not just food—but God’s compassion and love seen in action.

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Secondly, no one should feel so lonely

Many nowadays are not just materially poor, but also emotional need. All alone. Forgotten. Loaded up. Let’s check them out, visit, and listen.

Let’s strengthen our Basic Ecclesial Communities and religious organizations. And we look for opportunities for the grieving to speak up and be heard. Because sometimes, the greatest act of kindness is giving time to care.

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And thirdly, no one should lose hope.

Even on the cross, Jesus never lost hope. She leaves everything to the Father.

Today, many are tired. Some are on the verge of losing hope. It is up to us today, as the Body of Christ, the will to give hope to one another:

• through prayer

• through encouragement

• through acts of kindness

Hope is not something we should keep—but share.

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Small Acts… Great Love

Perhaps we shall say: “I can only do so little. “But remember: In the eyes of God, there is no small act of love.

A meal… Just a visit… Some very good advice… Just a prayer.

These are the ways we can bear the Cross with Christ.

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A Church Fully Alive

Dear people of God, this is a season of difficulty—but full of grace. Why? Because we have been given the opportunity to be worthy to be called the Church of Christ.

If faith we could understand way too deep,

if faith we celebrate passionately,

and if by faith we will live steadfastly,

we can really be a Church full of life.

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Final Words

As we begin Holy Week, this time of crisis and testing, we are not meant to be alone.

Let’s go out together. I’ll be with you. No one should take advantage of the chance. There is no oppressor like Judas who betrayed. Let us love each other as Jesus command.

May every parish become a home.

And every home will become a place of prayer.

And every heart can be a fountain of compassion.

So that here in our Archdiocese, we can truly say: No one goes hungry. No one is left unnoticed. No hope is lost.

To you who are faithful and prayerful,

+Alberto S. Uy

Archbishop of Cebu