Waves of the faithful

In January 2002, I can vividly remember joining a procession of unimaginable number of devotees. In spite of the heavy downpour of rain, I fulfilled my promise to join the procession to ask a special favor from the Child Jesus for my papa's health condition who was diagnosed with 4th stage cancer. Soaked, I trembled in a wave of people that engulfed me that I can hardly move. My left shoe was removed and when I found it, my body moved up-carried until I reached the gate of the church. I fainted and was brought to the emergency medical station.

The devotees, as many as I can't imagine where they came from and thinking that perhaps there were no more people left in their homes. From all walks of life and age groups, the number is increasing every year.

Devotees flock to the streets as they manifest their ardent faith. This is so for we believe that something will happen. Something that is hard to explain, especially when the supernatural works. Favors ranging from healing for a mother, employment of a husband, success in business and many more or could also be an expression of thanks for the granted appeals. With manifold intentions, people gather because of one unifying religious figure-a drawing force.

Be it for Sto. Niño in Cebu or for the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, there is always a display of Filipinos' strong devotion. It is on this occasion that one such devotion is witnessed in large scale.

Sometimes we doubt our faith. Sometimes just finding five minutes for God seems like just another chore. God knows that sometimes Christians struggle in our faith. Sometimes devotions do not really seem like devotion, but work. Sometimes Christians wonder if God is even there, especially in times of difficulties.

But God assures us in Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Indeed, doubt cripples and faith empowers. It is faith that is hard to doubt. Believing in something that does not exist and even in times that we think there's no other way but to believe. It is faith that allows us to believe. Belief leads us to hope. And hope gives us life to move on.

The Bible says that faith without works is dead. Faith with works is alive. Faith without works can become a displeased fantasy. When God is leading us and we do not follow or act on it, then faith turns to doubt and our inaction leads to death-the death of our faith and dreams. When we are hurt, our faith makes us stronger. We cling to something that answers and heals. We dedicate ourselves profoundly to a cause, person, etc. It is a profound dedication, especially to religion.

Faith is a common thread that ties all of humanity. Despite millennia of advancement, we are confounded with the fact that there is a grand design to our individual existence. We exist not simply to live. We live not simply to exist.

Most importantly, our faith sustains us. It is the wellspring from which we draw our strength. It is the fire that keeps our hope alive and nurtures our belief that each day will bring us closer to our dreams. On bended knees, we sought the Heaven's intercession to give us a kinder fate.

I would like to evoke once again our prayers to the child Jesus Senor Sto. Niño:

"You are our strong defender, we turn to you. You are the patron of Cebu, the Philippines and the world, we come to you. You have made extraordinary wonders through your miraculous image in those chosen islands, remember us. Look down at this poor soul that comes to you for help. Lead us with Your wisdom; discipline us with your truth; console us with your tenderness, protect us with your might."

The waves of people, their waves of hands are the waves of faith. With devotion, let's raise and wave our hands and sing: Kanamo maluoy ka unta nga kanimo nanginlaba…VIVA PIT SENYOR!