“Again, Everyday is a Panata.”
“As the Catholic Faithful expresses their devotion to the Black Nazarene, let us also remember its deep rootedness in our Filipino culture of overcoming the great trials and tribulations in our midst. Indeed, it is through our faith that we can conquer the storms that loom ahead of us and bring forth a life filled with grace and steadfastness,”
These are the words president Marcos jr. explained in his message on the feast of the Black Nazarene. Since people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate this holy occasion in the name of their shared faith, this note would like to express that in these trying times when people are attempting to recover from the pandemic or battling their inner demons as frail humans, they need assistance both physically and spiritually. And one way for them is to turn to God, to see Jesus in his appearance as the Black Nazarene, as they pray and seek forgiveness and assistance, or in this case as they march on in their bare feet and endure hardship in pulling the ropes to reaching the Black Nazarene’s hands, seeking for a pardon if not as most wanted-yearning for luck.
And as an observer would say that during these "recovering" times, these people simply accept that the pandemic continues while donning face masks and being immunised with vaccines to maintain life. However, as followers of Christ, they must cling even more tenaciously to the faith knowing that nothing is impossible for them to recover their losses and to move forward with their lives, enjoying the festivities as those who enjoy sipping a glass of beer on the sidewalk.
And to think that even though the custom of "Traslacion" and "Pahalik," or touching and kissing the image of the Black Nazarene, were still absent during this year's celebration due to the Covid-19 pandemic, would demonstrate "how strong their devotion is" as they continue to pray or yearn to reach the ropes and have sacred cloth wiped at the Black Nazarene as before the pandemic. But does their dedication, much less their faith as Christians, apply to their regular lives as ordinary citizens? Or just on Fridays during the celebration and their devotions, excluding when they go to church on Sunday? And upon reaching, feeling the spiritual fervour, is it for their soul that needs to be cleansed? Or for their material fantasies in the name of luck? Perhaps one forgets that as a devotee, that “in every kind of love, loyalty, and union, it must be daily” as what Cardinal Tagle said last 2019.
And this separates devotees from fanatics. For as what Cardinal Tagle said again from his 2019 sermon:
“First, true devotees give unconditional love to Christ; while fanatics only stick to those they benefit from. Secondly, a true devotee manifest loyalty to Christ; while fanatics stop their sacrifices once they stop getting what they want…Lastly, devotees are united with the one they love, be it in suffering, happiness, and sickness….”
Thus one would say that such commitment to the Black Nazarene should be more than just celebrating the occasion alone nor attending Friday devotions aside from attending Sunday masses. For everyday is a “panata” that includes being good to oneself and to fellowmen, of upholding truth and justice at all times, for without love and concern for others, a person’s devotion to God and to Jesus Christ is an empty phrase.
And this was expressed in a 2021 homily, as Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus told people to always aim at the image of God in their neighbor as he said:
“No matter how strong our devotion to God is if we don’t have genuine concern for others, our devotion is not real. We must remember this,”
“A true devotion to the Black Nazarene and even to other saints should be seen in the way we live, in caring, and helping especially those in need,” he added.
Quite relevant isn’t it? Especially last 2021 was still marred by the pandemic and there was no “traslacion” yet. But what the Bishop said for the devotee is to cultivate a sense of concern as Christ showed to his people. And that’s more than just having a ritual for it is a difficult commitment in showing genuine concern for others especially in these times of crisis. But what is important, according to the bishop, is to live life in the spirit of love and charity.
“Charity is where God is. We see God in all our expressions of love,” Evangelista added. “Love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable. It should always be together”.
But the question is, is a devotee really imbued with those words? Cardinal Tagle’s sermon last 2019 instilled the need for unconditional love to Christ by being more than just celebrating the occasion nor attending Friday devotions in Quiapo Church. That everyday is a “panata” that includes showing genuine concern for others and seeking truth as what Bishop Evangelista said last 2021 during the time of pandemic. After all, regardless of their yearning for Christ’s pardon is not right to express through appearing as “devotee” and yet not truthful especially in spreading “fake news”, and causing people to be disinformed and fight each other.
“It is not right that you are wiping the señor’s feet, but you cannot help others.” as what Quiapo Church Parish Priest Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon who also said that devotees should live righteously amidst these tumultuous times.
To cut this thought short, as this writer continues to observe would say that behind the ritual, the hardships and the yearning for God means a call to serve one’s fellow, that behind that “panata” is a call to self reflect, rectify wrongs and to upheld the goodness of humanity as it seeks truth and justice all for redemption and for the kingdom that’s to come.
Again, everyday is a Panata, and it is a protracted committment to God and Humanity.