Villegas to faithful: Give like Jesus

MANILA, Philippines — Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas has reminded Catholics to “give like Jesus” instead of splurge-spending on parties this Christmas.

In his catechesis for the nine-day Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo, Villegas reminded Catholics that “charity” is an important part in the celebration of Christmas, which is in preparation for the birth of the savior Jesus Christ.

He clarified that the teaching on charity or giving is not intended to spur “asceticism” or to bring gloom to the happy holiday season, but to be a reminder to the faithful about “letting go of little comforts so we can bring more comfort to the little ones of God.”

“God became little so we may see the greatness of being little. Charity and mercy for God’s little ones is a Christmas carol sweet to the ears of God,” he said.

“To give like Jesus is the sure source of Christmas joy that no happy song or parties can evoke,” he added.

Showing charity to those in need is an act appreciated by God and is also one way to raise the observance of Simbang Gabi, according to the prelate.

Villegas also noted that charity is one of the three pillars of Christian life.

“Remember the three legs on which our Christian life stands: prayer, charity and sacrifice,” he said.

“While the mass is the highest form of Christian prayer – also called the source and summit of our Christian life – let us not forget that it is charity and mercy for the poor that renders the mass truly pleasing to the Lord… Of what use is fidelity to the rubrics if we are indifferent to the law of charity for the poor?” he added.

The novena masses began last Dec. 16 and will end on Dec. 24, while the anticipated mass is from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23.