Embrace God, others with love: Prelate explains true meaning of devotion

People should be wary about fanaticism and open their hearts to God and others.

This is according to Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle during the midnight Mass for the feast of the Black Nazarene at Manila’s Quirino Grandstand, January 9.

“A real devotee loves. The essence of devotion is love,” Cardinal Tagle said in a report posted in CBCP News.

He added that to love is among the characteristics of the true devotion to God.

In the presence of thousands of devotees gathered in Manila to revere the image of the Black Nazarene, the Archbishop of Manila explained that fanatics only hold to something that gives value to them.

“A fanatic, once he does not get what he wants, will stop,” he said, adding that, “But a devotee does not share the same reasoning. You are devoted because you love him or her. That’s what Jesus showed us.”

A devotee, he said, shows faithfulness and oneness with God and other people.

“An overflowing love shows loyalty and service to others,” he said, adding, “And oneness with God and those you love is not an imitation but union.”

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST DEVOTEES

Cardinal Tagle also came to the defense of the devotees against accusations of “fanaticism”.

“It seems that every year it is questioned if that is right and important — being a devotee,” the cardinal said.

“But only devotees will understand it. If you’re not a devotee you’re going to question it,” he added.

Authorities earlier said more than five million devotees are expected to join the “traslacion” which commemorates the transfer of the image from its old home in Intramuros to Quiapo Church.