Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Palm Sunday called on Catholics to embody the compassion of Jesus Christ and face life’s challenges with courage.

During a Eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral, Advincula said that while humanity often rejects pain, embracing it can lead to personal growth.

“In the end, we need to be courageous in facing our problems. We must bear our suffering and embrace our cross. We must feel the pain and sympathize with the pain of others,” Advincula said in his homily.

“When we deny and hide our wounds, they will not heal; they will get worse. If we pay attention to the pain, if we look at it and listen to it, we will be surprised at the lessons we can learn. We will become better people,” he added.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The waving of palm fronds during the service symbolizes the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Advincula stressed that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice should inspire compassion in the present day.

“The sanctification Jesus brought through his suffering gives us hope amid the seemingly unjustified violence,” Advincula said.

“Sometimes, our pains are unreasonable, immeasurable, and incomprehensible. But, even if the pain seems meaningless, there is no hardship that love cannot overcome. There is no pain greater than compassion,” he added.