Bishop Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr. used his homily at the Nazareno 2026 Misa Mayor to issue a blunt moral appeal to those in authority, calling on them to stop abusing power and to willingly step back in humility for the sake of compassion, justice, and the suffering people.
The bishop made the remark in line with the Nazareno 2026 theme drawn from John 3:30, declaring, “Dapat siyang tumaas at ako nama’y bumaba,” as the guiding call for humility, self-emptying, and moral responsibility.
Preaching before thousands of devotees at Quiapo Church after midnight on January 9, the bishop framed his message around the example of Jesus Nazareno, whose greatness, he said, was revealed through voluntary humility rather than force or domination.
Sescon said Christ chose to humble Himself freely and deliberately, stressing that His descent was an act of love rather than the result of defeat, coercion, or loss of power.
“Siya ay bumaba ng kusa upang lalong magmahal,” Sescon said, emphasizing that Christ was neither forced nor compelled, but chose humility out of mercy and love.
The bishop said this kind of voluntary humility stands in sharp contrast to the present situation in society, where some refuse to step down even when wrongdoing is already exposed and the burden is being carried by the poor.
“May mga ayaw bumaba kahit mali na at bistado na,” Sescon said, warning that pride and refusal to yield continue to deepen hardship and suffering.
At the height of his homily, Sescon delivered a direct and forceful rebuke that drew loud reaction from the crowd, saying, “Tumigil na, tama na, maawa na kayo sa taong bayan. Mahiya naman kayo, bumaba na ng kusa alang-alang sa awa at pag-ibig.”
He stressed that humility should not be confused with disgrace, reminding devotees that “hindi lahat ng pagbaba ay kahihiyan,” and that there are moments when refusing to step down becomes the greater moral failure.
Sescon urged the faithful to see devotion as a commitment to service rather than display, saying, “’Wag lang tayong mag-unahan sa prusisyon kundi sa misyon,” and calling on devotees to compete instead in love, service, and compassion.
Turning to the second movement of his reflection, the bishop said Christ also humbled Himself so people could learn how to listen, noting that God has always heard humanity, but people often fail or refuse to listen in return.
“Bumaba si Hesus hindi lang upang pakinggan kundi upang buksan ang ating mga tainga at puso,” Sescon said, asking whether society truly hears God’s call for justice, truth, and concern for the oppressed.
He concluded by reminding devotees that Christ carried the Cross so human dignity could be lifted, saying the true follower of the Black Nazarene is one who is willing to go down with Christ in order to raise others and allow God alone to be exalted.
