Rubric for Holy Relics

Homily of Bishop Jose Rojas Jr.
September 11, 2018

by: Sem. Doctor

            Last September 11, 2018 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Bishop Rojas say the mass along with his fellow priests. It was the pontifical mass of the Diocese of Libmanan. It was a solemn mass attended with the lay people, devotees and seminarians from the said diocese.

            In his homily he said the importance of the celebration to our Blessed Peñafrancia on the year of the clergy and consecrated persons. He reflected on the theme this year “Imitating humble service of Ina in the year of the clergy and consecrated persons.”

            He focuses on the humble quality of Ina. He first stated that, “Mary knows herself.” He said that Mary knows all the privileges given to her like being the mother of Christ but still she keeps humble herself. “Mary is full of grace and this is fulfilled because of her humility,” he added.

            He provides examples to show that Mary is an example of humble person that we should imitate. First, Mary conceal of having received the divine graces. “Hindi niya ipinamalita ang mga magagandang pangyayari sa kaniyang buhay gaya na lang ng pagiging ina ng Diyos na si Jesus,” bishop added. Second, Mary refuse praise. She rather choose to praise her son rather than praising her by the people of Israel. The time when angel Gabriel said to Mary that you will bear the only begotten son of God she feel that she is not worthy to be the mother of God. When the time she visit her cousin Elizabeth she does not praise herself but she praise God as she said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Third, Mary serve like serving Elizabeth during pregnancy of her cousin and serving Jesus throughout her life. The time when the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana the water turns into wine through the efforts and service of Mary. She serve without any costs it is because of her humility. Lastly, Mary does not want to be the first but she rather choose to be the last. Mary is at the back of the people when Jesus is praised by the people as he enters the city of Jerusalem. She is not at the side of Jesus she is at the back of the line. She is not present when Jesus is been praised she is present to accept all the shame and fear when Jesus is crucified. She is present at the foot of the cross. Jesus is accused as criminal and Mary also accepts the shame to be accused also as the mother of the criminal. That is how Mary is called as woman of humility.

            “Why humility is important?” Bishop Rojas asked. His answer is that, “It is only through humility that a person can serve.” Moreover, “It is also important in the field of knowledge and growth. Humble person is only the one who can learn, understand, grow, and mature.” “An mga mapagpakumbabang tao sana an kayang magtalubo huli ta kaya nindang mahiling asin akoon ang saindang mga kaluyahan.” He also added, “An mapagpakumbabang tao sana an tataong maghagad kapatawaran huli kaiyan an mapagpakumbabang tao sana an makakaligtas.” He concluded his homily by saying “Kung nais nating makaligtas magpakumbaba, let us imitate Mary’s humility. Mahal na Inang Peñafrancia, ipamibi mo kami. Amen.”

             His homily is very striking not only through the lay people but to the clergy to remind them about humility. He connected his homily with the theme. He deliver his message with proper enunciation of words. He has a well-structured homily and land with a general conclusion. His ideas are concise and understandable. He deliver his message in an informative way and he reflects in the life of Mary.