We start the Aguinaldo Masses today. This devotion, which is now deeply rooted in the Filipino culture, of nine days of masses before Christmas is a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her help to keep and grow in the Christian faith as we await the coming of the Savior. This is particularly apt this year within the celebration of 500 years of the Christian faith.
Everybody is welcome to participate in this faith. Prophet Isaiah said that foreigners can join themselves to the Lord for he is Lord of all peoples, not only of a particular race. Thus, God’s house is a house of prayer for all peoples. The common requirement for all is to observe what is right and to do what is just. Salvation is about to come to all. He is Jesus whom the Father sends to us. John the Baptist testified to him. His very works of mercy and power bears witness to this. We all the more feel the nearness to the coming of the Savior of all as the Simbang Gabi starts.