Reflections on the Christmas Gospels
The gospels in each of the days preceding Christmas are rich in meaning – all meant to set the stage for the climactic commemoration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day. Let us highlight some of them.
John 5:33:36 asserts that the testimony of Jesus is greater than that of John’s. Jesus does not need any human testimony to prove that he is the Son of God. His works, which no human being can do or match, testify to his Divinity. Jesus who is infinite cannot be boxed inside man’s finite mind. No doubt, Jesus is the Incarnate God, the God who came in the flesh and dwelt among us.
In Luke 7:18B-23 we see Jesus revealing his identity to the disciples sent by John. Asked if he was the coming Messiah, his answer was not direct but inferential. He cited the works he was doing – the blind regaining their sight, the lame walking, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead raised, and the poor having the good news proclaimed to them. Only God or in his name can all of these be done, hence Jesus was in fact saying, “Yes, I am the promised Savior of the world.”
Matthew 1:1-17 tells us the genealogy of Jesus. His lineage included such big names in salvation history as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, King Solomon, Jacob and Joseph, but also questionable personalities like Tamar who slept with his father-in-law, Rahab who was a prostitute, King David who committed adultery with Bathsheba and even sent Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, to a sure death in battle;
In a press conference on Friday, Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Douglas Badong said Pampanga is among the 21 areas in Luzon they have initially identified for the hosting the iconic image in the "Pagdalaw" beginning December 31, 2020.
"Instead of the usual celebration centered in Quiapo, the feast will be brought to different chapels and parishes," said Badong.
"This way, we can avoid the possible spread of the virus that may be brought by the convergence of devotees from different places. This year, we will just celebrate the feast in our respective communities," he added.
On December 31, the image will visit Hospicio de San Jose in Manila and the Antipolo Cathedral.
On January 1, it will be at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.
The Manila Cathedral, the Minor Basilica of the Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan, and the Shrine of Padre Pio in Batangas will host the Black Nazarene on January 2.
On January 3, it will be brought to the Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City, San Jose Cathedral in Nueva Ecija, and San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Laguna.
The Black Nazarene image will be hosted on January 4 by the Manila City Hall, Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Nueva Ecija, and San Roque Parish in Cavite.
On January 5, it will visit the Bureau of Fire Protection headquarters in Quezon City and San Fernando Cathedral in Pampanga, and San Isidro Parish in Las Pinas City.
On January 6, the image will be at the Manila Police District, Malolos Cathedral in Bulacan, and Sto. Niño Parish in Taguig City.
On January 7, the Black Nazarene will be at the NCS-BEC Community, Sto. Domingo Shrine in Quezon City, and Baclaran Church in Parañaque City.
Badong said nobody will be allowed to join the pilgrimage or when the image is transferred from one area to another.
Meanwhile, at the Quiapo Church, the priest said there will be a "Pagpupugay" or the act of paying respectful greeting, to the miraculous image, on December 27.
Badong said this will replace the traditional "pahalik" of the Black Nazarene, also in accordance with the existing health protocols.
"Instead of the traditional 'pahalik' and wiping of cloth, the people will just view the Black Nazarene in front of the church to pay our respect and pray to Him," said Badong. Badong said they will make available all Feast Day Masses on January 9 at the Quiapo Church on social media to enable all devotees to attend the celebration wherever they are. Large LED billboards will also be put up outside the Quiapo Church to ensure physical distancing of those outside the building. Last October, officials of Quiapo Church and the City Government of Manila announced the cancellation of the grand procession of the Black Nazarene for the first time in its 400-year-old history.