Homily during Hubo Mass: ‘Repent, change ways’

CEBU, Philippines - The head of the Augustinian community in Cebu called on the faithful to open their selves to conversion, just as the feast honoring the Sto. Niño concluded formally yesterday with the traditional changing of the image's vestments.

Father Pacifico Nohara Jr., over-all chairman of Fiesta Señor 2017, said in his homily during the dawn Mass yesterday that the annual rite brings a symbolic message for the devotees to reflect on.

"This event calls us to unveil our own self and reveal in us a renewed spirit," said Nohara, a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and the present rector and prior of Basilica del Santo Niño.

He said that not only second chances, God provides numerous opportunities to people who have repentant hearts. People who, despite their failures, imperfections and limitations, strive to find their way back to the Lord's refuge.

Yesterday, devotees gathered in droves at the basilica to witness the "Hubo," or the annual ritual of changing the ceremonial vestments of the replica of the Sto. Niño image into its ordinary garb. (The basilica has been the sanctuary of the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu that is currently under the custody of the Augustinians.)

"The Hubo calls us to conversion and renewal of thinking, doing and relating, and to a decisive transformation of oneself, like the Holy Child who do acts in wisdom, charity and truth," said Nohara.

For one to achieve spiritual conversion, he said, he should examine his self to realize his worth as God's foster child, and only by then that he may learn to forgive his self and start anew.

He reminded those present that no human is perfect, not even to those who religiously practice their faith.

"We are all sinners, and that is why God is giving us second chances, third chances and many more chances (for us) to become a better person and achieve this change or conversion in ourselves," he said.

Nohara said God has never forsaken His people even if they have failed in their obligations as His followers or servants, just like the 12 apostles, who were "ordinary men with no social standing in the world" and also had their shortcomings.

Even so, Nohara said, Jesus' followers showed their sincerity and genuine servitude by carrying the mission to preach God's word in all parts of the globe.

"On our part, God does not look into our resume, or our attendance in Sunday Masses, or our affiliations in all religious organizations… He looks into our hearts. He chooses those who are willing to obey and do His will and every one of us is given this chance to follow God's will," he said.

He urged devotees to make the Sto. Niño their fuel to experience change by manifesting one's devotion not only in words but also in actions.

"May we be empowered by Señor Sto. Niño that in everything that we do and will do, we will have the courage to change our hearts and be consistent in doing the right thing especially for the love of our common home and that by doing so we become part of God's family, we will be in perfect communion with Him," he said.

Even as the religious activities had been brought to a close, he encouraged the faithful to continue on reflecting on this year's theme, which characterizes the Sto. Niño as the "source of communion and protector of creation." (FREEMAN)