POPULAR devotion is really an interesting thing. Theologians and social scientists have never been in complete agreement in their interpretation of devotions in terms of reason, meaning, and value. It is thus important that we remind ourselves to check whether we are still on track with our devotions. This is particularly a challenge to the custodians of the objects of the people’s faith and affection. They have a serious duty and obligation, difficult it may be, to tell people the value and limitation of images although they do mean something and so much to many people.
Theologically, we must be made aware that popular devotions just like ordinary devotions are not creedal requirements. They are of course not contrary to our creed but they are not equally essential to the core of our faith. This means that one need not have a devotion in order to become Catholic. One is not less a Catholic without a devotion to any of the saints or any of the images of the Divine Persons. Novenas and promises are enhancements of the faith but not necessarily an essential requirement. Official Church teaching in fact is very clear on this:
“These (popular devotions) expressions of piety extend the liturgical life of the Church, but do not replace it. They should be so drawn up that they harmonize with the liturgical seasons, accord with the sacred liturgy, are in some way derived from it and lead the people to it, since in fact the liturgy by its very nature is far superior to any of them” (CCC 1675).
It is therefore important that Catholics check if their popular devotions are sound. Soundness in this sense is understood within the context of what the church officially teaches based on tradition and scripture. Genuine devotion presupposes correct doctrine. Take the case of the Santo Niño o or the Nazareno; it must be clear that these are devotions to Jesus. The core of the faith is the affirmation that God saves us in Jesus. That regardless of the image of Jesus, what is truly important is the alignment of our ethos and priorities to the Gospel values.
Sociologically, it is also important to examine the collective implications of popular devotions. While remarks and to some extent criticisms of our pietistic expressions cause discomfort, we must also be honest and humble to also accept whatever is valid and objective. Some critics, for example, are very pointed in their observation that devotions instead of being expressions of faith would sometimes end up in fanaticism and thus reflections of a psyche of infantilism or alienation.
The genuine believers may object to what may be called an unfair or unkind remark. But let us also prudently admit that the repetition of rituals devoid of reason and sensitivity is not healthy especially to the faith of an adult. Any form of excessive self-expression borders selfishness and destruction.
Finally, our devotions must find their fullness in the very formation of our communal ethos. A question of interest I always have in mind is this: if people can be so united in their sentimental expressions, that which we call expressions of faith, why can they not be united in reasonably standing up against issues of injustices in society?
For example, it is quite a fortuity that just as many Filipinos are in hype for the celebration of the feast of Señor Santo Niño, Congress through the Lower House has finalized the proposed law that would lower down the criminal liability of children from 15 to 9 years old. The contrast is apparent, and the contradiction is obviously difficult to understand. For a while, many politicians are showing up in religious festivities such as the feast of the Holy Child, their values and priorities in life are obviously not aligned to what the devotion represents.
What is more disheartening is the fact that this kind of confused “values-system” is not just true among our politicians. From the seas of devotees waving their hands to the Santo Niño, and even among those who braved the pushing and shoving during the feast of the Nazareno in Quiapo, are Filipinos who continue to support extrajudicial killings. The same people who adore the images of Jesus poor and crucified are also the one’s who do not see anything problematic with a President who hates those who defend the poor who are victims of human rights violations.
I hope we are not seeing something reminiscent of that crowd who cheered Jesus during Palm Sunday, but the same group or mass that strongly shouted “crucify him” because of their preference for Barabas.