Jesus of Quiapo: The Black Nazarene
January 08, 2017
Christ is bearing His cross, but He's not alone.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the most iconic pilgrimages and tradition of the Filipino Catholic. It reminds him of the Suffering Christ, the Bearer of Calvary's Cross. Each faithful wants or is even obsessed just to follow His way to the Quiapo Church.
Every 9th of January, Christ's journey with His people intensifies in a manner that the very pilgrim becomes the one who bears the cross. He experiences the very flagellation that Christ experienced on His way to Calvary yet in a another way. Thus, His faith is being strengthened, even fortified. Each devotee is a living testimony of how Jesus of Quiapo "shows His power and majesty to a sinful nation" (Tobit 13:6)
Why does the Jesus of Quiapo is so loved by so many faithful?
He is on His way Home.
One of the things that makes Jesus of Quiapo being loved is His appearance.
"Father, into Thy hands, I commend my spirit!"
Stare at Him. He's an extraordinary Christ. He's not a mestiso kind. His skin is almost the same with ours. But excluding the color of His skin, His face shows some kindness in the midst of trials or suffering. He bears His cross, yes, but in His face, do you see some sort of complain? None. Thus, concluding that Jesus of Quiapo entrusts everything to the Father's will just like every devotee promises. The devotees have their own crosses: in their families, work, health, and even relationships. God, indeed, showed Himself through Jesus of Quiapo that we are not alone in our every struggle. His left hand is wide - open: Telling us that He reaches out for us to give us help in our cross. Just like us, may we be inspired of surrendering everything to God like how Jesus of Quiapo did.
"Devotion: More Fun in the Philippines!"
Tradition, brotherhood, faith. Nothing else. Jesus of Quiapo is a transcendental occasion. For over centuries of years, His love really conquers all especially today that most people faces the reality of life. The devotion He presents to every faithful makes us wonder why every January 9th delegates thousands or even millions of devotees. Through the image of the Suffering Christ, Filipinos find affinity that even in our time, Christ is present that He also bears His cross with our own problems and hardships. From that affirmation from God, the devotees were brought to brotherhood, sacrifice, and empathy towards each other. They carry each other, welcome each other, gather and help each other as they walk along the procession. It just shows that the Filipino spirit and God's Spirit become one in this event because it fills the people with love and faith in the midst of sacrifice.
"Ang Krus mong kinamatayan ay sagisag ng aming kaligtasan"
Lastly, Jesus of Quiapo is a manifestation and reality of deep faith and proclaimed mission. Faith's time really rounds: Jesus of Nazareth walks with His cross against an angry people to Calvary, but now, He walks to His way to Quiapo with His own people. The Miracle Worker opens His wide arms ready to embrace every devotee coming into His Presence. The sea of blessings pours upon devotee to devotee as they share the same faith. The Suffering Christ brings all those who believe in Him to His victory and glory of the Father through His cross! The feast calls every believer to a mission: the mission to manifest the very blessing they got without cease and with great joy. Christ of Quiapo is now on His way home. Prepare the Way of the Lord! Make straight His paths!
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, Niluluwalhati ka namin!
That's the next step on water! Walk in Faith! Start the Mission!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
- http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/headlines/20140107/feast-of-the-black-nazarene.jpg
- http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/headlines/20160110/black-nazarene-ends.jpg
- https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PDP4mvaoWV0/hqdefault.jpg
- http://visitpinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Fiesta-ng-nazareno.jpg
- https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/579465893006168066/JeQK_ley.jpg
- https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5246/5334679030_9b39379af2_z.jpg
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