FAITH, as the classical saying goes, can move mountains.
Indeed, as the Black Nazarene devotees proved, as they overcame a phalanx or wall set up by members of the PNP who were tasked to add security to the multitude that gathered on the feast of the Black Nazarene January 9, 2020, a Thursday.
No one can fault the devotees as they relentlessly and patiently queued up to make the traditional pahalik and pray incessantly for some miracle or the culmination of their panata, an act being done annually to seek cure for various illnesses or financial difficulty to some.
Images shown on television reflect the passion, intensity and determination of the devotees, some have been doing the sacrifice for more than ten years to get closer to the andas or carroza bearing the statue of the Black Nazarene.
Expectedly, some claim fulfillment of their dreams; other express satisfaction as their yearly rituals are over without an incident.
Every year, the organizers think of reviewing and revising the rules and guidelines of the so-called traslacion or the transfer from the Quirino grandstand site of the pahalik, back to the home of the Black Nazarene which is the Quiapo church.
Next year, and every year thereafter, we will expect intensified devotion of the devotees to the Black Nazarene.
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On the other side of the spectrum, other religious sects or groups have their way of glorifying God in whatever manner they configure Him to be.
At the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), efforts are being expended by members to propagate God's words and teaching through their Pamamahayag. In it, the members invite non-members to come, listen and witness the dispensation of God's work through a series of teach-ins and doctrine revelations, all based on the Bible.
Their publication, the Pasugo, contains lectures from the top officials of the religious group, INC, and the message of their Executive Minister, Eduardo V. Manalo.
The BornAgain Christians, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and arch enemy Eli Soriano and others offer scriptural teachings also based on the Bible and strive to gain adherents in the process.
Whatever, it is up to us to think of ways to strengthen our faith.