Celebrating Kagitingan and Easter Sunday

April 9 is Araw ng Kagitingan, a day of observance to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and allied soldiers during World War II. It commemorates the fall of Bataan and serves as a solemn tribute to the resilience and heroism of those who fought for freedom.

Likewise, this Sunday, the Christian world celebrates the resurrection of Christ three days after his crucifixion and death. It signifies victory over death, the fulfillment of divine redemption, and the promise of eternal life, marking the gift of joy after Lent.

Both celebrations are oxymorons in nature: defeat for April 9 and victory for Easter Sunday. This will tell us that in life, we experience defeat and failure, but there is always hope, new beginnings, and God’s overcoming love on Easter Sunday.