THERE CAN never be abandonment and permanent loneliness so long as people surrender themselves to God, who brings everlasting hope and love, a bishop said.
In his homily during the mass for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary La Naval de Manila on Sunday, Oct. 13, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco called on devotees to place their trust in God and let things happen in His will and guidance.
“Itatak ninyo sa puso ninyo ang mensaheng ito: hindi tayo naglalakbay, nag-iisa. Kalakbay natin ang Diyos, ang bawat isa. Nakikinig tayo sa mensahe ng Diyos katulad ng pinakita ng ating Mahal na Ina sa ebanghelyo,” Ongtioco said at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.
(Remember this in your hearts: we are not alone in our journeys. We are with God, each one of us. We listen to the word of the Lord like how our Mother Mary has shown in the gospel.)
“She (Mary) did not know what would happen…but what did He say to Mary? ‘Do not be afraid.’ Nothing is impossible with God. Everything will happen in God’s will,” he added.
According to the prelate, God will never abandon His people regardless of the state of the world for His love is non-negotiable and unlike any other.
“We might think the world is full of corruption and the poor are getting poorer. But is there still [hope]? Yes, the prophet Zechariah said, ‘There is still hope. God will not abandon us,” he added, citing prophet Zechariah, who proclaimed that God has not forsaken His people.
“Ibang pagmamahal ng Diyos; hindi matatawaran. Kahit anong mangyari, mahal Niya ang bayan.”
(God’s love is different; it is non-negotiable. Whatever happens, He loves His people.)
The feast of Our Lady of La Naval commemorates the triumph of the Spanish-Filipino forces against the numerically superior Protestant Dutch fleet that failed to invade the Philippines in the 17th century. The victories were attributed to the miraculous intercession of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
This year’s feast, which coincided with the 85th anniversary of the foundation of Quezon City, carried the theme, “Mary: Advocates of Heavenly Favors.”
Citing the theme, Ongtioco said praying is more than asking for blessings but is about building a deeper connection with the Lord. Trust and faith go both ways between the Lord and His people, he added.
“We have to pray, especially at a time when God is challenging us, and we have a lot we can learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary. We must place our complete trust and faith in God, only then will we receive many blessings and grace in return,” the bishop said.
“Love does not only come from the lips, for it comes from being holy like the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he added.
This year’s feast culminated with the grand procession featuring the images of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, St. Joseph and 26 Dominican saints around Quezon City. The festivities began with the traditional enthronement rites last Oct. 3. F
