Cardinal Advincula reminds public to kneel with humility this Christmas

Metropolitan Archbishop of Manila Cardinal Jose Advincula reminded the public to remember the significance and importance of kneeling in humility during Christmas.

In his Christmas message, Cardinal Advincula said that when devotees are called to kneel during the mass’ Profession of Faith, most kneel absentmindedly during Christmas Masses, while some even forget.

He said that this practice often failed to give weight to what the kneeling actually meant for the ritual.

“This Christmas, let us take this simple ritual as a message and a reminder, and make room for it amid our many preoccupations, for it is the very heart and center of our celebration of the Lord's Nativity,” he said.

“Kneeling at the proclamation of the Incarnation of God is not merely an external sign of reverence. It is also an act of thanksgiving and an opening of ourselves so that Jesus may truly dwell among us. As a family, let us draw near to Bethlehem in our churches and in our homes,” he added.

The cardinal implored the public not to forget to kneel in humility.

He said that forgetting to do so turns Christmas into shallow and empty celebrations.

“If obsession with wealth and intoxication with power rule our society, how can we ever set right our distorted systems and the unceasing abuse of the public trust?” he asked.

“Before the year ends, and as we commemorate the Birth of Jesus, let us walk away from darkness and sin. Let us resist the Herods who mercilessly destroy our future. Let us journey toward Bethlehem. Let us kneel before the Redeemer -Emmanuel, the Star, the Light of our salvation and our peace,” he added.

During the Christmas Eve Mass at the Manila Cathedral, Advincula also called on the public to become a “sign of God’s presence,” especially to the marginalized.

He reminded the public that “Emmanuel” or “God is with us” was the true essence of Christmas, and encouraged the public not to be afraid of life’s challenges.

“Christmas empowers us to become like angels too, that encourages the presence that allays fear, the presence that calms worries,” he said.

“Indeed, Christmas begins with encouragement. God knows that the world into which His Son is born is anxious, burdened, and tired,” he added.  — RSJ, GMA Integrated News