Feast of Ina Poong Bato

by Fr. Lito Jopson

Today, we recall how Mary existed in our country even during the arrival of the Spanish.  In that account in Zambales, a man saw a woman's image imprinted on a rock; and there were many stories of miracles.  And when the Spanish came, they too were amazed how the image came to be in the Philippines even before the Christianization of the new world came to be.

Mary is deeply rooted in the Philippines as she was deeply rooted in her life with God.

In our gospel, Jesus clarified, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"  He seems to expand the reality of family; it is not just confined among the members.  Rather, Jesus expands to include everyone; the human race with God is Jesus' family and
Mary is very much a part of that family even before time.  That's why she is not only the mother of God; but also mother of men.

Let us reflect on how to be a member of God's family, by doing God's work which Mary certainly did.  How can the spirituality of Ina ng Poong Bato enrich us to doing God's work?

First, let us be identified with the Father.  To start doing God's will, we have to identify ourselves with him.  Just as the Philippines is identified with God even before the Spanish came simply because of the presence of Ina ng Poong Bato.  No one carried her to us.  She carried herself to us to tell just that we are predestined to be with God.

Second, let us start knowing God's will.  It is only through intimacy, that is, that language of the heart that identifies with the lover can we start knowing God's will.  When Mary said, "I do not know man", it means she hadn't dedicated herself to any man; only to God.  Let us also develop that loving relationship with God just as Mary did.

Third, let us do God's work; not simply doing good.  Let us be conscious of saying, "This is God's work."  For Mary, a mother's work is never done.  Ina Poong Bato has gone to different Churches, dioceses, countries, and yes, to the ends of the earth.  Let us heed her call to do God's will.