Opening Message: The Power of Easter
Good morning, brothers and sisters, and happy Easter to each of you.
On this sacred Sunday, we celebrate the miracle that changed the world forever, the most miraculous event in all human history—the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we have hope. Because He lives, we have peace. Because He lives, we find purpose. And because He lives, we are never alone in our trials. Because He lives, we can love more deeply, serve more freely, and live more fully.
A Simple Act of Sacrifice: The Umbrella Story
Let me begin by sharing a simple, yet meaningful moment from our family life.
One day, I came to fetch my children after school. It was lightly raining—the kind of drizzle you could ignore, but enough to leave someone wet without an umbrella. As I watched, one of my daughters walked toward the car, clearly damp. When she got in, I asked her, “Where’s your umbrella?”
She calmly replied that one of her classmates, who lived far away, didn’t have one. No one else offered, so she gave hers away, thinking it was just a short walk to the car. My daughter figured I was coming anyway and that she’d only get a little wet. I stayed quiet for a moment, processing her selflessness. I then told her, “You were like the Good Samaritan today.” She responded, “But I didn’t do anything like the Good Samaritan.” And I told her, “You chose to get wet so someone else could be dry. You thought of others first. That is the Savior’s way.” She smiled, unaware how profound that act was. In a small way, she reflected Christ-like love—the kind that gives without expecting recognition.
That quiet act of sacrifice at age 14 reminded me that discipleship isn’t just about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing an umbrella—even when it means personal discomfort.
Childlike Testimony: The Empty Easter Egg
This reminds me of a story often told in Easter Sunday School classes—the story of the empty egg. Children were asked to fill a plastic egg with something that represented new life.
- One egg had a flower—“It’s a sign of spring!” one child said.
- Another had a butterfly—“It starts as a caterpillar, then becomes something beautiful!”
- A third egg had a small rock—“I found this by a stream. It felt peaceful, like how Jesus gives us peace.”
Then the teacher picked up one egg—it was empty.
The children laughed. “Someone forgot to put something in it!”
But one child, named Samuel, who was quiet and often shy, (brought back an empty egg) raised his hand. “That’s my egg,” he said softly.
“But it’s empty,” one classmate replied.
Samuel smiled and said, “That’s mine. It’s empty because the tomb was empty.”
Silence filled the room. The teacher’s eyes welled with tears. Samuel continued, “Jesus rose from the dead. That’s what Easter means.”
That empty egg was not a mistake. It was the most powerful message of all. The empty egg reminds us of the empty tomb. Jesus Christ conquered death so we can live again. And just like that, an Easter truth was taught with childlike simplicity. The Savior lives. Death was conquered.
Because the tomb was empty and He lives, our lives are filled—with peace, with purpose, hope, and with the promise of resurrection.
Now, being a disciple of Jesus Christ doesn’t always mean performing mighty miracles. It often means small, daily acts of sacrifice—like giving an umbrella or simply offering help when it’s inconvenient.
Also Read: “When the Stethoscope Becomes Heavy: A Personal Reflection on Resignation and Due Process”
Discipleship in Action: A Doctor’s Airport Decision
I recall one such moment from my early years as an OFW. I was at the airport, waiting in a long line at immigration. The line was slow-moving, and I was already homesick. Suddenly, there was a commotion near another booth—someone had collapsed.
My first instinct was hesitation. If I left, I’d lose my place in line—likely adding another hour to my wait. But my conscience, and perhaps the Spirit, nudged me. I walked toward the commotion and helped stabilize an elderly man in his 60s. I gave instructions to the airport paramedics when they arrived. Then, as expected, I returned to the end of the line.
But something unexpected happened.
A security guard approached me. “Are you the one who helped earlier?” he asked. I nodded. “Please come with me.” He led me past the long queues straight to the VIP immigration booth. The officer thanked me and processed my documents. Even a famous actress in line turned to me and said, “Too bad we’re not on the same flight. I’d feel safer flying with you.”
What was meant to be more than an hour’s wait became a 15-minute fast track to my gate.
I didn’t help expecting a reward. But that experience reminded me that God sees our choices, even when no one else does. And sometimes, He rewards us in ways we don’t expect.
Caution in Judgment: The Tricycle Driver’s Story
This brings to mind another real-life example—a tricycle driver in Manila, who was publicly shamed online in 2024. A tourist accused him of overcharging, and a viral video showed the driver demanding ₱1,000, then lowering it to ₱250. Outrage exploded across social media. People called him a scammer, his identity was exposed, and his family suffered emotionally.
But later, the driver explained that the tourist had actually offered ₱1,000 first, and that the video had been edited to remove context. His version showed that he wasn’t dishonest but cooperative. It was too late, though—the damage had been done.
This incident highlights the danger of judgment based on partial truths. In our digital age, half the story spreads faster than the whole truth. As disciples of Christ, we must be slow to condemn and quick to understand. After all, the Savior Himself was misjudged, falsely accused, and executed—yet He offered forgiveness, not retaliation.
When God Has Other Plans: The Story of the Three Trees
Another story that mirrors this theme is “The Three Trees.”
One tree dreamed of being a treasure chest (to hold treasure). Another to be a mighty ship. The third, a tall tree pointing people to God. But life had different plans. Their lives turned differently. The “treasure chest” became a manger holding the newborn Christ. The “mighty ship” became a humble fishing boat Jesus used to teach multitudes. And the “tall tree”? It became the wooden cross on which He was crucified.
Each dream was fulfilled—not in the way they imagined, but in a divine and greater purpose. Their dreams were fulfilled in ways far beyond what they imagined.
And that’s how it often is with us. When we “think celestial,” as President Russell M. Nelson invites us to do, we realize that God’s purpose for our lives may differ from our own plans—but it is always more meaningful. Sometimes, what feels like disappointment is actually a redirection toward eternal significance.
Truth Revealed: A Second Viral Story
In this digital age, another kind of challenge tests our discipleship: how we respond to what we see online.
Remember the story of the tricycle driver who went viral for shouting at an enforcer? Condemnation was swift. People called for punishment.
Within hours, netizens erupted:
“Grabe, bastos! Walang disiplina!”
“Tanggalan ng lisensya!”
“Ganyan ang problema sa mga drivers ngayon, puro init ng ulo.”
“Kuya War Freak”
But the next day, a new video surfaced—he was trying to rush a pregnant woman in labor to the hospital. Public opinion flipped instantly.
Suddenly, the tone online shifted:
“Grabe pala, may pasahero palang nanganganak!”
“Sorry Kuya, na-judge ka agad. Saludo po ako sayo.”
“MMDA naman kasi, wala nang puso minsan!”
The same people who mocked him 24 hours ago were now calling him a hero.
In the age of instant judgment, context is everything. Social media is quick to cancel, but even quicker to flip—reminding us how dangerous half the truth can be.
Brothers and sisters, Easter is a time of second chances. It reminds us not to judge too quickly. Just as the tomb that once seemed like an end was actually a new beginning, the lives we misunderstand may hold truths we haven’t yet seen.
The Testimony of Jesus: Inspired by Elder Christofferson
Inspired by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, in his recent General Conference talk “The Testimony of Jesus,” taught that how we act upon our testimony of Jesus Christ defines our eternal destiny.
“Those who are valiant in their testimony,” he said, “inherit celestial glory.”
What is valiant? Meaning kaisog, brave, malig-on sa pagtuo, maisugon ug matinud-anon nga nagsunod kang Kristo. Matapang, matatag, matibay ang pananalig at tapat na tagasunod.
To be valiant, he said, is not just to believe in Christ—it is to follow Him actively, to sacrifice willingly, and to love deeply. It is to follow Him, even when it’s hard. It is to love like Him, even when it’s not convenient. It is to stand up for truth, even when we stand alone.
My daughter didn’t quote scripture that day, but she lived it. She showed love, sacrifice, and faith—all in the rain, with just one umbrella.
Let me close by echoing Elder Christofferson’s words: “We act now to secure our place among those who are valiant in the testimony of Jesus.”
Closing Invitation: Be Easter People Every Day
So, how can we be more valiant in our testimony this Easter?
- Sharing umbrellas or offer kindness even when it costs you something.
- Like the tricycle driver, remain honest even when misjudged.
- Like the Savior, forgive those who wrong you, and keep doing good in silence.
- Like Elder Christofferson counsels, nurture your testimony daily—through prayer, scripture, obedience, and courage to act.
Because He lives, we can rise above weakness.
Because He lives, we can face uncertain tomorrows with faith.
Because He rose, we can rise above trials, misunderstanding, and sin.
Because He lives, even an empty tomb—and an empty egg—can be full of hope.
May we all be Easter people—not just in word, but in how we live every day.
In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
