WHY I DON'T CELEBRATE FIESTAS

THE IDOLATRY OF PATRON

Five Reasons I Choose Not to Celebrate Fiestas

Reason #1: It's Not Biblical

Just because something is labeled as religious doesn't necessarily mean it aligns with biblical teachings. Many people follow traditions simply because they’ve always done so, without questioning their validity. When I asked why certain practices were followed, I often received the response, "Asya man an nahiaraan" (This is just what we're used to).

For Christians, the Bible is the ultimate guide for life and faith. It reveals God's will, and culture or tradition should always conform to what Scripture says is right. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

The Bible never commands us to venerate Mary. Instead, it directs us to worship God alone and to pray for the salvation of others through the Gospel, not through rituals or celebrations that focus on saints.

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Reason #2: It's Idolatry

Idolatry is the act of worshipping anything other than God. During fiestas, the emphasis is often placed on venerating Mary and celebrating the patron saint, rather than on glorifying God. Consider the questions: "Where is God in all of this?" or "Where is Jesus in this celebration?" Unfortunately, the focus often shifts from the Creator to the created. The Bible is clear in Exodus 20:3-5, warning against the worship of idols:

"You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."

Psalm 115:4-8 further emphasizes the futility of idols:

"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of man's hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; noses, but they do not smell; they have hands, but they do not feel; feet, but they do not walk; they do not make a sound with their throat. Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them."

In Revelation 22:8-9, even the Apostle John is rebuked for attempting to worship an angel, reminding us that we are to worship God alone:

"I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.'"

The belief that Mary should be worshipped is a man-made doctrine, not found in the Bible. Jesus taught us to pray directly to God, not to anyone else. 1 Timothy 2:5 reminds us:

"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

Mary herself, in Luke 1:46-47, acknowledged her need for a Savior and gave all glory to God:

"And Mary said: 'My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.'"

If Mary were alive today, she would likely denounce the idolatrous practices associated with the veneration of saints. She recognized Jesus as her Savior, and it is only through Him that we are saved.

Idolatry is not limited to physical statues; it can also be anything that takes God's place in our hearts—such as wealth, relationships, or fame.

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Reason #3: It's Focused on People, Not God

Fiestas cater to the desires of people, offering entertainment, parades, and celebrations that center on human wants and pleasures. Sadly, these celebrations often result in negative consequences, such as excessive drinking, violence, and criminal behavior.

As followers of Christ, we are reminded to set our hearts on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. Colossians 3:1-2 says:

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

Fiestas often lead people away from focusing on what truly matters—living for Christ and serving others.

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Reason #4: It's Not Beneficial for the Church

Our actions during fiestas can impact others in the church, especially those with weaker faith. Participating in certain practices could cause them to stumble in their walk with Christ. It’s important to remember that our decisions not only affect us but also those around us, and we should act in a way that edifies the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13 speaks to this issue, warning that our actions could influence others who are less mature in their faith:

"But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble."

If something could cause a weaker believer to stumble, it is better to avoid it for their sake.

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Reason #5: It's Financially Irresponsible

Many people overspend during fiestas, often borrowing money to fund the celebrations, which leads to financial strain. The pressure to host a perfect celebration often results in debts that take months to pay off, turning a festive occasion into a stressful burden.

Proverbs 22:7 cautions:

"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave."

Fiestas encourage excessive spending, often at the expense of good financial stewardship. Instead of focusing on extravagant celebrations, we should prioritize spending time with loved ones and being good stewards of the resources God has given us. Additionally, the excesses of food and drink can lead to health problems, further complicating an already burdensome celebration.

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So, What Now?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. But as Christians, we are called to stand firm in the truth. It's not always easy, and we will likely face opposition when we go against the flow. The Bible can be convicting, but it also has the power to transform our hearts because it is God's Word.

We are called to shine as lights in this dark world, living for God’s glory. To do this, we must understand who Jesus truly is and believe in Him as our Savior and Lord.

Philippians 2:10-11 reminds us:

"So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

John 14:6-7 says:

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.'"

Colossians 1:15-16 declares:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him."

John 3:36 says:

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

So, I ask you—Is Jesus truly your Lord and Savior?