Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula reminded Black Nazarene devotees that Jesus Christ is aware and cares about His people's trials and sufferings.
Advincula made this reminder as he gave his homily during the midnight Mass at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday, Jan. 9— marking the start of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The prelate said that Jesus Christ knows the pain and life trials of the faithful because he had gone through it as well.
"Ang puso niya ay nakakawing sa mga puso natin. Nakikiisa siya at nakikiramay sa sangkatauhan. Sa pagkakadapa niya sa daan patungong Calvario, sa pagpasan niya sa bigat ng krus, pinapasan din niya ang ating kahirapan, kasalanan, at kamatayan. Nakikiisa siya sa ating abang kalagayan. Kaya naman walang karanasan ng tao na hindi nauunawaan ng ating Poong Hesus Nazareno (His heart is anchored on our hearts. He sympathizes with humanity. When He fell while He was on His way to Calvary, when He carried the weight of the cross, He also bears our sufferings, sins, and death. He sympathizes with our condition. This is why, there is no human experience that Jesus of Nazareth does not understand)," said Advincula.
"Nauunawaan niya ang tiisin ng may sakit, ang pagod ng manggagawa, at ang pangungulila ng OFW. Batid niya ang pagsisikap ng mga mahihirap, ang ginaw ng walang damit at tirahan, ang kalam sa sikmura ng gutom at uhaw (He understands the suffering of the sick, the fatigue of the workers, and the yearning of the OFWs. He knows the perseverance of the poor, the feeling of coldness of those without clothes and shelter, the stomach pain of those who are hungry and thirsty)," he added.
"Alam niya ang sakripisyo ng tapat na lingkod-bayan, ang pagsisisi ng nagkasala, ang pangarap ng mga bata, at ang tiyaga ng mga matatanda. Ramdam niya tayo at nakikiramay siya sa atin. Nauunawaan niya ang pinagdadaanan natin (He knows the sacrifice of the honest public servants, the repentance of those who have sinned, the dreams of children, and the perseverance of the elderly. He feels us and he sympathizes with us. He understands what we are going through)," he furthered.
Advincula assured the faithful that Jesus Christ is with them amid their sufferings.
"Talagang hindi tayo pinapabayaan ng Mahal na Señor. Hindi niya tayo iniiwanan na mag-isa at malayo sa kanya (The Señor really does not abandon us. He does not leave us alone and far from him)," he said.
"Siya ang lumalapit sa bawat isa sa atin ngayon. Pumapaloob siya sa ating mga puso at pinapalakas ang ating pag-asa. Kapiling natin siya (He is the one who approaches each of us today. He enters our hearts and strengthens our hope. He is with us)," he added.
The archbishop also reminded the faithful to live a good life while showing kindness and compassion to others.
"Huwag sana tayong mag atubili na makiisa din sa Kanya at sa ating kapwa. Manalangin tayo at magpuri sa kanya. Damayan natin ang ating kapwa at magmalasakit tayo sa isa't-isa. Abutan natin ng pagkakawang-gawa ang ating mga kapatid, lalo na ang mga nahihirapan ngayon (Let's not hesitate to be with Him and our neighbors. Let's pray and praise him. Let's empathize with our neighbors and care for each other. Let's reach out to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are struggling right now)," he said.
"Talikuran natin ang kasalanan at mamuhay tayo sa karangalan ng mga anak ng Diyos. Sikapin nating ipanalo ang katotohanan, katarungan, at kapayapaan dito sa sanlibutan (Let us abandon sin and live in the honor of God's children. Let us strive to win truth, justice, and peace in the world)," he added.