JESUS, HU U?
One chapter of The Catechism for Filipino Catholics reveals
the three most popular images of Jesus, the third of which is that of
the Sacred Heart. It speaks of the heart so meek and mild, the heart
which symbolizes the unconditional love of Jesus for His people. The
second most popular is that of the Black Nazarene. No wonder that the
largest annual religious procession in the country happens in the
populous commercial district of Quiapo where the Black Nazarene’s Basilica is located. Filipinos also find it
easy to relate to
the Black Nazarene because we have our own share of crosses as a people.
The hard life, which is our communal cross, unites us with the
suffering black image that seems to tell us that the crosses we carry
are just small portions of the bigger cross that Jesus endured for our
salvation. And the most popular among the three is the image of the
Santo Niño. Every Catholic household in the Philippines has an image of
the Santo Niño. Filipinos find it easy to relate to a simple and innocent child.
Having many images of Jesus in our minds, He asks His Apostles as to who He is according to the people. Different people had different beliefs as to
who Jesus was. Some believed He was John the Baptist who had risen back
to life, others Elijah, while others thought that He was one of the
prophets of old who has come back. But it was Peter who made the great
confession: “You are the Christ of God!”
The Gospel today allows us to reflect on how we look at and recognize Jesus.
Randomly asking my former parishioners during a sermon as to who Jesus
was for them, I received various answers. One said He is a “Friend”
while another said, “Stronghold.” Others said, “Miracle Worker,” while a
Fundamentalist said, “Lord and Savior.” One said Jesus is “Hope” while
another, “Love.”
Imagine Jesus asking you today: “Who do you say that I am?” What will your answer be? Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS
REFLECTION QUESTION: Who is Jesus to you?
Lord,
different people of different ages called You by different names. I
keep You so dearly in my heart. You are my Jesus, my treasure. Amen.
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