I am not a devotee of this particular image of Christ but for some reason, I got attracted to witness the much-celebrated feast for the first time yesterday. At least, to tell myself, I have joined the throng of people even once in my life. My goal: to take pictures. But last night, I knew it was not the only thing I took home. Somehow, I am reminded of many things about my being Filipino and being Catholic.
Belief in miracles
Miracles do happen. It happened actually a number of times during the years of Jesus' public ministry. And how did he usually perform these? By laying down his hands or by touching the one asking for favor. Every year, a horde struggles to get near the image. I don't know the prayers of these people but I am sure, it is worth the risk. But why risk your life for a piece of wood? Some would say. And many other religions would consider this fanaticism and even idolatry.They wouldn't really know unless they have immersed themselves into the life of these ordinary people whose faith is simply fervent and sincere. The piece of wood may not be Christ himself but many people can attest how it has become a channel of God's grace. This Catholic icon is simply a reminder that we can all turn to Him for whatever reason it is we desire within our hearts.
I am not a devotee but I remember asking a favor to Senyor Nazareno when I was in college. It was the only time that I did it and the prayer was granted in perfect timing. As a Christian who always turns to the liturgy for my personal intentions, I thought that the real miracle was not behind the image of Christ. But inspired by the image of Christ, we are enlightened to the horizons of God's endless grace. Hence, paving way for miracles or opportunities to enter in our lives. The logic may be as simple as being optimistic. But for a believer, it is more than just the positivity. It is hope with trust in anything God openly gives us. And whatever God has in mind for us, we do not know. In fact, in our prayer, the grace of strength, clarity and hopefulness is basically the main miracles God is giving us.
Yes. Jesus can still perform miracles beyond scientific realities up to this day. Many devotees can attest to this. I don't know how these things happen but definitely, but one thing's for sure, He performs this in many ways. And most of the time, through people with devotions.
Display of devotion
Filipinos are very expressive. There's no doubt about that especially when we talk about hand gestures and body languages. Last night, I was amazed once again with the power of people gathered together to hear mass. The singing of Papuri sa Diyos gave me chills as I saw some believers wave their hands and white hankies. And this is in spite of the jamming crowd inside and outside the Basilica Minore.
When the station for communion where we were lining up was cut, I was a bit saddened. But when I looked around, there was still this Lay Minister who breaks the Body of Christ into smaller pieces for those who have not received the communion yet. Ushered by a devotee in maroon uniform, he squeezed towards those who still want to take communion. I was so happy that my mass was complete because of him.
A woman also tried to enter the church to have her miniature Black Nazarene blessed. She was raising it to protect it from the squeezing crowd. Lots of devotional items were also sold on the streets for those who want to take a souvenir home. These scenes made me rethink my way of worshiping Christ in the Eucharist. How have I really let myself be moved again by the Presence of God in the Holy Mass?
Passion of the Christ
There's a big reason why the image is so popular in the Philippines. It is a perfect reminder to the struggling Filipino that Christ knows exactly how it feels. The image of Jesus carrying the cross attests to his sufferings as a human being. During communion, the congregation sang the heartfelt Huwag Kang Mangamba by Fr. Manoling. You may see some teary eyed mass-goers singing the melodic chorus. The Black Nazarene is a reminder that there's an end to sufferings and sadness.
Also, just as Christ showed, we are given the opportunity to get up every time we become weak and fall short. As Bishop Tagle shared in his homily, "the image of the Nazarene portrays Jesus getting up from a fall. So it is not that we should never stumble. Even Jesus fell at times. The moral is that no matter how many times you go down, you always get up afterwards... And that is why it doesn't matter that there was a terror threat at the procession, and several warnings for the devotees not to come; 7.5 million came regardless. Because devotees believe that there is nothing they can't bounce back from, not with the help of the Nazarene."
The Filipino Community
The sea of people I witnessed were a multitude of happy faces. There were signs of tiredness and joy at the same time. The passion of such big Catholic community gathered together is simply awe-inspiring. How could you be in a bad mood when as a brother squeezes in, he wishes you the Peace of Christ? LOL.
My first experience of the Feast of the Black Nazarene was very refreshing. I thought I was not going to have a prayer time but now I can say that last night was the first time I got so engaged immensely in a liturgy in the year 2012. It was just moving. I went home filled with hope, anticipating so many blessings for the rest of the year.
If you have questions regarding this popular faith, I suggest you read the article written by Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio on this link.
Thank you for reading and may the good Lord bless you this year and the years to come. :)
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