Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged devotees of Jesus Nazareno to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and place their hope in Him above all else during the Misa Mayor early Thursday.
Advincula emphasized that the two key lessons devotees should reflect on during the Feast of the Nazarene are following and placing their hope in Jesus, which also aligns with this year's theme for the celebration.
The theme for the Nazareno 2025 is based on the first book of Samuel 15:22, which says, "Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umaasa kay Hesus."
"Iisa lamang ang tunay na maasahan, iisa lamang ang nagdudulot ng pag-asang hindi bumibigo. Siya ang Mahal na Poong Nazareno," said Advincula.
"Kaya't siya ang sundin natin, ang mga utos niya ang isabuhay natin, ang mga aral niya ang isapuso natin. Ang halimbawa niya ang tularan natin. Mas mabuti ang pagsunod sa Mahal na Señor," he added.
Advincula noted that prioritizing and following money, bad influences, or harmful vices over faith will ultimately lead to dismay and dissatisfaction.
The prelate also mentioned that what Jesus Nazareno desires for all is not just life, but eternal life.
He further stated the Filipino saying, "Habang may buhay, may pag-asa," but emphasized an even greater teaching: "Habang may pag-asa, may buhay."
"Hangga't mayroon tayong pag-asa, mayroon tayong buhay. Hindi natin kayang mabuhay kung wala tayong pag-asa sa buhay dahil ang walang pag-asang buhay, ay taong papatay-patay," Advincula stated.
"May pag-asa tayo dahil buhay si Jesus Nazareno. May pag-asa tayo dahil buhay ang Mahal na Señor. Sa tuwing sumusigaw tayo ng Viva sa Mahal na Señor, sinasabi natin na buhay ang Mahal na Señor, buhay ang pag-asa natin dahil buhay ang Mahal na Señor," he added.
Advincula reminded the faithful that Jesus Nazareno remains present in their hearts and environment, calling on them to stay strong because as long as there is hope, there is life.
Furthermore, the second lesson emphasized by Advincula is following Jesus, as those who love God obey Him.
"Pag-asa kay Hesus at pag-sunod kay Hesus, ito ang mga tanda ng tunay na deboto. Ipangako natin kay Hesus. Siya lamang ang maaasahan natin, siya ang lagi nating sundin," Advincula said in closing.
The Manila Public Information Office reported that approximately 140,000 devotees participated in the Misa Mayor or Misa Nazareno, which was led by Manila Archbishop Advincula.
At exactly 4:41 a.m., the Traslacion, carrying the sacred image of Jesus Nazareno, officially commenced its journey from Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.
