FINDING ANSWERS
The largest spectacle of Catholic faith in the Philippines unfolds anew this Thursday as millions of devotees celebrate the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno, highlighted by the phenomenal frenzy of Traslacion when the dark-skinned statue of a suffering Christ inches its way from Luneta to Quiapo Church.
Impervious to fatigue and hunger, barefoot devotees cramped in a suffocating sea of humanity will jostle and surge around the carriage bearing the figure of our Messiah carrying a heavy cross, with back unbent, struggling to rise from a half kneeling stance.
It’s baffling to some why devotees swarm like crazy over a statue of the Jesus Nazareno on one particular day, when the venerated statue is accessible all-year-round at Quiapo Church. Why they have to undergo an annual ritual – the hardships, dangers, and the ecstatic feeling of triumph after much suffering – can be puzzling indeed.
But enlightenment can be found in the biblical story (Luke 7:36-50) of a sinful woman who wets with her tears, wipes with her hair, and pours expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus who tells her: “Your sins are forgiven; your faith has saved you.”
Grasping the power of God’s mercy helps one understand the intense devotion to the Jesus Nazareno. Trying to comprehend what we Filipinos term as “Awa ng Diyos” could enlighten one on the reasons for our existence, and why blessings come our way in various times in our lives, even when all our sinfulness makes us undeserving of blessings.
Staring at the face of the Jesus Nazareno that has eyes gazing towards the heavens truly inspires hope for those of us in the abyss of despair, whose only solace comes from the belief that God will eventually answer our fervent prayers. Such desperation stirs up the ferocious desire to get near the venerated wooden symbol of hope, with an intensity matched by devotees showing gratitude for answered prayers, for the miracles that happen.
But I’ve often grappled with a nagging question: Would the phenomenal display of piety, with all the ferocity in the Traslacion, bring more miracles for the entire country if the collective energy of millions of devotees were harnessed into a positive force to bring about a better Philippines?
While Church leaders believe that intense devotion to the Jesus Nazareno is a source of moral compass to provide direction in our daily lives, sociologists wonder how is it possible for our collective spirituality and religious piety to blend with a seeming tolerance for so much corruption and greed that have been plaguing our country for decades – among the primary causes of poverty and desolation as public funds to uplift the poor are stolen by the corrupt.
A passage in the Holy Bible (2 Chronicles 7:14) is clear: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
The biblical verse is a clarion call for collective spiritual and moral renewal, emphasizing humility before God, prayerful seeking of His presence, and repentance from sin. Thus, the intense devotion during the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno ought to be not just of personal faith but also a collective plea for healing and blessings, both individual and societal.
The Traslacion ought to reflect not only a personal journey of faith but also a collective responsibility to contribute to the healing of the nation. Devotion to the Jesus Nazareno provides a platform for reflection for such responsibility; devotees can translate their faith into meaningful action that benefits the broader community and the entire country.
In the coming elections, Filipinos have another chance to exercise their responsibility as stewards of the nation. Just as the Traslacion represents a communal act of faith, voting is a collective act that shapes the country’s future. The elections provide the opportunity to choose leaders who have integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serve the people. Our faith in the Jesus Nazareno should inspire us to elect enlightened leaders to steer our country in the path to inclusive progress.
While the fulfillment of a “panata” to the Jesus Nazareno usually concerns the aspirations of one’s family, relatives, and close friends, I fervently hope that the whole nation would one day focus intense devotion for the betterment of the entire Philippines.