Baptismal Day

The Baptism of the Lord

11 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Today, as we officially conclude the Christmas season, we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, an important event in His earthly life. At His baptism, while Jesus humbly allowed John the Baptist to baptize Him, Our God the Father on the other hand, exalted Him as the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This is also what happens in our own baptism. Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism not only washes away original sin but also makes us children of God, welcomes us into the Catholic Church, opens us to spiritual graces, and gives us an indelible mark that no sin can erase. Thus, baptism serves a holy purpose far beyond custom or tradition. Through baptism, we share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king: a calling we live out by grounding our lives in His commandments.

Do you know your baptismal date? Mine is January 20, 1991. I was baptized on the feast day of Santo Niño at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. And this year, I will celebrate 35 years of being a Catholic. This milestone leads me to reflect: What has been the fruits of my Catholic faith? Am I a good and obedient follower of God? Honestly, the answer is no. I still need more grace to grow. Yet one thing is certain that God loves me more than anything I have done or will ever do. Even in my mother’s womb, He already knew me, and in baptism, He claimed me as His daughter.

As co-workers of Christ in His mission of love and charity through baptism, our daily lives are called to reflect that mission. It will not always be easy, but when we fail or doubt ourselves, let us return to our baptismal day, the moment God accepted us as we are, called us His beloved, and welcomed us into His family, the Church.

 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of faith, that You generously gave me at my baptism. Through the intercession of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, may I grow deeper in the understanding of the faith and live it each day, so I may serve as Your instrument here on earth. Amen.

There's Hope for those who believed.

   

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 

02 February 2025

 

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

One of the topics we discussed in canon was the seven sacraments and one of it was baptism. Our professor asked me when was the day of my baptism. I answered him the date. It was April 5, 1997. Then he said that it is good that we remember the day of our baptism for it is where the Lord have gifted us our faith. Together with our parents, offering us to the Lord through baptism, hoping for us to grow in faith and holiness.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Gospel reminds us of Hope that also coincides with the theme of Jubilee year: "Pilgrims of Hope". 

In the Gospel, Jesus is brought to the Temple, by Mary and Joseph, where Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah. Simeon proclaims that Jesus is destined for the salvation of all people, but also for opposition and suffering. This foreshadows the Hope that Simeon saw for the people of Israel. Hope that Jesus will bring the salvation to the people.

In the same way, we are called to look at our world, not with despair, but with the hope that God is at work. As we celebrate the Jubilee, we must ask ourselves: Do we bring hope to others? Do we trust that God is still leading our Church and our world despite challenges? Do we recognize Christ in the people around us, especially in the poor, the suffering, and those in need of mercy? And so let us ask God for the grace of Hope. To be an instrument of hope for others bringing light in the darkness especially to those who are hopeless. Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, purify our hearts, refine our faith, and guide us in Your truth. Like Simeon and Anna, grant us the grace to recognize Christ in our midst, to trust and hope in You. So that we, too, may become an instrument of hope, despite facing the challenges of the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pointing to the One who Gives True Hope

   

The Baptism of the Lord

12 January 2025

 

First Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 92:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: Ac 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel: Lk 3:15-16; 21-22

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

 

"You are My Beloved Son; with You, I am well pleased" (Lk 3:22). These are the words of God the Father at the end of the Gospel for this Sunday which is dedicated to the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. By doing this, the Father introduces the Son, Jesus, to everyone. It is Jesus who everyone has been waiting for. As a matter of fact, this is a reference to the inner thoughts and questions of the people who traveled all the way to the Jordan River to be baptized by Saint John the Baptist. God Himself responded to the questions in the hearts of these people by pointing out the promised Messiah Himself. It began with the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, descending on the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son, in the form of a dove and the First Person of the Trinity, the Father, speaking from heaven to introduce the Son. Jesus is the One who everyone has been waiting for. 

In a way, by speaking from heaven at the end of the featured passage in the Gospel, the Father illustrates what each and every one of us must do as Christians. We have a duty to point to the One who gives true hope to each and every person, who is none other than Christ Jesus Himself. No one will find true hope in this world as it is not the world that gives true hope. The one who gives true hope is God who through Christ Jesus has wholeheartedly decided to share it with us. 

The readings for this Sunday focus on the Lord who is the source of true hope. In the First Reading, the Lord God tells the Prophet Isaiah to give comfort to His people. How will someone like the Prophet Isaiah who is a mere human being give comfort to a nation? The gift of comfort will come from God Himself. Isaiah’s task is to share and spread this gift of comfort that the Lord wholeheartedly offers to His people. The Second Reading stresses the wholehearted nature of the arrival of Christ as the promised Savior of all. By wholeheartedly deciding to come to the world as the promised Messiah and Savior, Jesus brought true hope to all. We now have a reason to hope because of Christ Jesus. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist stresses the appropriate response to God freely giving us hope through the promised Messiah and Savior, which is authentic praise and worship.

We are tasked with pointing to the One who gives true hope. The Father and the Holy Spirit did this in the narrative that is featured in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. Point out and introduce Jesus to others. Let Him be known to all. Ensure that everyone knows that Jesus is the source of true hope. 

As Christians who truly and wholeheartedly hope in Christ Jesus, let us share the hope that He brings to all. Let us introduce Jesus to others as the source of true hope. 

Prayer

Lord, You are the source of true hope. Give us the strength to introduce You to others and share with them the gift of true hope that You freely offer us. Amen.

"Testi"

    

Third Sunday of Advent

17 December 2023

 

First Reading: Is 61:1-2A, 10-11

Responsorial Psalm: Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

Second Reading: 1 Thes 5:16-24

Gospel: Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

Friendster, anyone? Yes, I am probably one of those “people growing in wisdom” who once enjoyed reading testimonials in one of the first social media ever existed. “Pa-testi naman dyan!” A friend asked me to write something about him on his online profile where people in his friends list can read it. Not thinking much about it, I only wrote “Mabuting kaibigan.” I told him that I already wrote and posted a testimonial and asked him to also write one for me. The next day, his post came up. It was something more like a short biography. He wrote things that I used to do from our elementary days that I could barely remember especially weird things like, “Kumakain ng chalk”. Okay, I do remember munching on a piece of chalk during third grade, but I could have chosen the blackboard eraser for a soft chewy texture, right? Anyway, from the weird things during elementary, to dreams of being a rockstar musician that I once dreamed of during high school, my friend wrote like a five-page life-excerpt-thesis Friendster testimonial. It is obvious that he really enjoys writing testimonials for his friends. Most of my friends during college who read it laughed and somehow had an idea of how weird I can be. But some of them read through on how passionate and eager I was to dream of something that does not reflect my quiet and timid image. I did not even realize that, and I only looked at how weird I was and how I looked like a lizard because of being too skinny. Today, I remember how in that moment my old friend somehow shed light for me to glance at something I rarely see about myself.

Testimonials are based on truth. If it is not, then it’s just hearsay or “tsismis”. It can also be known as Feedback or Review in today’s term. Feedback or Reviews, like the ones in products being sold online, can help other people have an idea of something if it is good or bad. In short, it can make or break a person as some of his or her character is revealed. In today’s Gospel, we are reintroduced on John the Baptist’s humility, and his gladness in having the honor to testify to Jesus.

John knew that he was sent to prepare the way of the Lord. He was not the light, but somehow shed light to those who are preparing the way by repentance and baptism. The Gospel tells us how curious the people are about John that they sent Priests and Pharisees just to know more about him. Maybe they already heard some testimony from those who were baptized, but they still want to ask him themselves. Throughout his ministry, he redirects their curiosity and constantly points to the Messiah who is to come after him. All his life, I believe he never felt inferior for being a “shadow”, but he rejoices for testifying for the Lord. He knew he was not worthy, but he gladly proclaimed that the Lord God has anointed him.

If anyone today can read the Friendster testimonials I have written for my friends, they would probably just read it plainly, or scroll to the next, because it’s very short and generic. I realize now that giving testimony to someone, especially a friend, is an honor. My old friend somehow taught me about it as I reflect on those times. He took the opportunity to shed light on people’s hopeful trait despite the weirdness, and really enjoyed writing about it. Like John the Baptist, my old friend knew his assignment when giving testimonials – to take delight in having the honor to testify and shed light for others to see the good about the person he is testifying to. Today, let us rejoice in our testimony to Jesus as we prepare to share in God’s mission of bringing His light this Christmas.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, we thank You for granting us the grace of Your light for us to see ourselves in Your image. We take delight in sharing to the world all the blessings that You continue to pour unto us. We pray that in honor of being anointed to testify, may we remain humble in being generous to others and rejoice in knowing that we do Your holy will. In Jesus’ Name we pray, AMEN.

Dear Lord Jesus, as we prepare for Your birth,

Destructive Backer System

    

Second Sunday of Advent

10 December 2023

 

First Reading: Is 40:1-5, 9-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

Second Reading: 2 Pt 3:8-14

Gospel: Mk 1:1-8

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

A driver was flagged by a traffic enforcer for using a lane in the highway which is exclusively for buses. As the vehicle stopped, the window rolled down with the driver shouting at the enforcer, “Why did you stop me? Don’t you know who I am? I am the nephew of Admiral Lieutenant five star over-the-moon under-the-bridge Officer General Juansim P. Le (fictional name, of course)! My uncle is a high-ranking official of this country, and he will fire you for not letting me pass!” He caused a scene by trying to hurt the traffic enforcer and left immediately. The day after, a video went viral on social media which was a recording of the incident. Two days after the incident, the driver was in a press conference publicly apologizing. He never got a reprimand or a violation ticket.

A manager was interviewing an applicant for a vacant position in the company. When the applicant introduced himself, he added and emphasized that his family is a friend of the vice president of the company. The applicant demanded a supervisory position and a higher salary, even though he does not have the skills required. The manager was ready to turn down the applicant, but the senior manager gave in to the applicant’s terms and hired him. A year after, the company dissolved the department where the hired supervisor worked because of too many problems that occurred since he was hired. He was transferred to another department, but the manager was fired.

How many times have we seen people resort to the backer system just to get ahead? Are we also guilty of mentioning famous people or those with high authority to be able to go through some procedures? Sometimes, people let the pride of being in the circle of someone higher go to their heads. They have the tendency of using someone to selfishly benefit in their own ways. In the Gospel, we are reminded that one person has all the humility to be worthy of preparing the way of someone mightier than him.

John the Baptist is the cousin of Jesus Christ. He preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People come to him to be baptized and they recognize him as a prophet. Yet, he never introduced himself having the same privilege as the Messiah. With a humble heart, he never lifts himself higher than the people whom he baptized just because he is a relative of Jesus. As he baptizes with water, he believes that this is a way of purifying the hearts of the people who repent and seek forgiveness, to be ready to receive the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.

Many of us may be guilty of a destructive backer system even when we serve in the church. As we learn to know God deeper, we tend to develop a spiritual pride. This pride can either lead us to seek God more for us to be able to share His love to others or make us look at ourselves as more deserving of God’s love than others. Sinners that we are, we are not worthy of God’s love, and we never deserve the saving grace of God. It is only through repentance, and the love of Jesus Christ that we are able to receive God’s love fully, even though we are not worthy of it. There are also many times that we tend to use God as our backer and forget that we ought to prepare the way of bringing God to other people. One example of this is to take literally and out of context what the Apostle Paul said in one of his letters: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…” A strength that harms other people can never come from a loving person, especially if it’s used only for self-gain. If we are not bringing Christ to others, or even preparing His way for others to receive Him, such strength is shallow and is only self-focused.

As we continue our journey this advent season, may we humble and remind ourselves that we need to prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight for those who need most of God’s love and mercy.

We also ask Our Lady of Loreto to pray for us today.  One of the most revered relics within the Christian world is the Holy House of Loreto. This small house, which measures 31×13 feet, rests today in Loreto, Italy, inside the Basilica of the Holy House. In the first century, the Apostles revered the Holy House when it was attached to the opening of a cave that completed the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth. It is also believed to have been the place where the Annunciation took place, making it the location where the Word became flesh within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary (source: Our Lady of Loreto — My Catholic Life!).

Prayer

Dearest Lord, teach us to be generous and humble, for us to be able to serve You as we should. May we always remind ourselves that we are also sent ahead as messengers to be able to prepare the way of the Lord. We beg for the grace of humility that, like John the Baptist, we will be able to lead others to Christ, without being prideful of knowing that we continue to receive God’s love even though we are not worthy. We ask this in Jesus Mighty Name, AMEN.

Taking the Sonship Seriously

 The Baptism of the Lord

09 January 2022

 

First Reading: IS 42:1-4, 6-7 or 40:1-5, 9-11

Responsorial Psalm: PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or PS 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: ACTS 10:34-38 or TI 2:-11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel: LK 3:15-16, 21-22

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I had an interesting conversation with someone who used to be a practicing Catholic, but has decided to become a Born-again Christian. She initially asked about the Catholic practices during Lent, especially the "penitensya", a popular religiosity in some parts of the Philippines. I gave her an explanation on those practices, but made it clear that the Church does not sanction some practices, such as self-flagellation and crucifixion. She asked because, according to her she was no longer Catholic. I told her that once someone is baptized, they remain a Catholic forever. Baptism imparts an indelible character on the baptized. We may practice the faith or not, but we all remain children of God.

In today's Gospel, God revealed Jesus as His beloved Son after receiving baptism. Every time there is a baptism, the Father's revelation is echoed, regardless if the ceremony is held in an opulent basilica or a humble chapel. We share in the divine sonship of Jesus. It is now up to us how we look after this sonship. Are we happy to stay as nominal Christians or are we willing to take this sonship to the next level?

Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for adopting us as Your children through Baptism. Help us to value such a privilege. United with Your Son, may our lives constantly proclaim Your inclusive love for all. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Jesus' Salvivic Sacrifice

Second Sunday of Lent

28 February 2021 

 

First Reading:  GN 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

Second Reading:  ROM 8:31b-34

Gospel:  MK 9:2-10

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo M. Gonzales

 

Today, we behold the story of Jesus' magnificent Transfiguration. Jesus, spending many of His human days with the apostles, had miracles of prophecy, healing, and deliverance to hint at the apostles His divine reality, but in the Transfiguration, Jesus' divinity takes to another degree. At such moment, Jesus transformed before the apostles lucidly so mystically! I can only imagine how incredible a sight it was for the apostles to behold!

The placement of Jesus amid Moses and Elijah, would you believe it has a rather popular and interesting interpretation? It was not arbitrary. To have Jesus situated deliberately in the midst of the two signifies His being culmination of what they represented: Moses, the Law, and Elijah, the Prophets!

In the Transfiguration, God the Father greatly extolled Christ the same way Christ was exulted in His Baptism. In Jesus' Baptism, the Father called Jesus "the Son whom [He] loves, with whom He is well-pleased" (Matthew 3:17). In the Transfiguration, Jesus was held as the Beloved Son, whom we should listen to" (Mark 9:6). It is clear as day in the Transfiguration how to Jesus, we must be all ears, but also minds, hearts, and souls.

Apart from listening, God also assigns us the task of evangelization. He may have told the apostles to observe silence as regards the Transfiguration, but He told them to proclaim Jesus' resurrection. Jesus' Transfiguration gave the apostles a glimpse at His God Nature, with His Ascension to the Father, soon to follow the Transfiguration, meaning we have a Great Advocate to speak to the Father on our behalf (as our Representative) and in our behalf (for our benefit); but it was Jesus' Passion and Resurrection in the first place that meant: in His death and triumph over it, we have One whose sacrifice pays ultimately for our sins. In the Bible,"the wages of sin is death", (Romans 6:23) and to exonerate the guilt, a sacrifice must be paid. Jesus is the eternal Price paid for the cost of our sins—multiple generations of them—would have incurred. This is why it is understandably  apparent the necessity to spread His salvivic Resurrection.

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, thank You for dying for us on the cross and for rising to life. It is with Your triumph over death that we have life. May the life You promise us in heaven afforded by Your sacrifice move us to be cultivators of good here on earth, and as we complete our good work, may we enjoy the fruits of our labors in heaven with You for eternity. Please always be with us and replenish us in our work of spreading You and Your good work. We ask these, in Jesus' most holy Name, Amen.

 

 

 

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

 

First Reading:  IS 42:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Second Reading:  ACTS 10:34-38

Gospel:  MK 1:7-11

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

Do you still remember the day of your baptism? Probably not, you were too little to be aware that you were being baptized – well, except of course if you have received the Sacrament of Baptism in your adult life. But one thing is for sure, in baptism we have gained our identity as a part of God's family – the Church. In baptism, we have received the grace to belong to a community of believers sharing the grace that God has bestowed upon each one of us.

 

In today's Gospel, we have seen Jesus in the Jordan river being baptized by John. A voice from heaven reaffirmed prophesies about Him. He is the one on whom His Spirit rests and will bring justice to the nations. This is the identity of Jesus.

 

In the post-modern world, many connotations and interpretations of who Jesus is have emerged in our consciousness. Yet, many people still don't believe in Christ. Many people would often cling to the explanation of skepticism and rejection of God. We, as a community of believers must retain our faith in Christ. We must take extra efforts to communicate who Jesus is to us, not only through our festive celebrations but more so in our lifestyle and in the way we move in the secular affairs of the world.

 

 

The year 2021 has marked the 500^th year of Christianity in the Philippines, our theme challenges us: "Missio ad Gentes!" Mission to the People. Let us take courage and heart to tell the world that Christ is alive and is with us! We must take sufferings without complaints, we must spread the Gospel with such joy and enthusiasm, we must live up with the Gospel values every single day of our lives – in that way our identity and that of identity of Jesus will be the same. So that when people see us, they may see the Christ in us. Let our identity be that of Jesus in the way, we can testify that Jesus is God's beloved son.
 

Prayer

 

God of all wilderness wanderers, you sent John to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, your beloved son. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that, like John, we may proclaim the time to turn from sinfulness and the good news of your grace; through Christ, the water of life. Amen.

 

Tapat na Pamumuhay

The Baptism of the Lord
12 January 2020

First reading                                                                  Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the Lord:
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.”

Second reading                                                    Acts 10:34-38

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

Gospel                                                                     Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom am well pleased.”

Reflection

By Nats Vibiesca

Sa Ebanghelyo ukol sa Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon, ang agad na napagninilayan ko’y ang paghuhugas o paglilinis ni Jesus ng ating mga kasalanan upang mapaloob tayo sa grasya ng Diyos. Kasaba’y nito’y ang mapabilang o maging kabahagi ng pamilya ng Diyos, kaya’t sinasabi sa atin pagkatapos ng binyag "Kristiyano ka na". At laging naiisip ko ang mga misyon ng pagiging Kristiyano na ipinapaliwanag na madalas sa mga Misa, ang misyong “Priestly, Prophetic at Kingly”. Maraming pari ang mahusay magpaliwanag nito kaya’t hindi ko na itutuon ang pagpapatuloy ng aking pagninilay. 

Mas gusto kong ibahagi ang isang karanasan na napagninilayan kong kaugnay sa Ebanghelyo. Minsan kasing nagtuturo ako, biglang may natanaw akong dumaan na isang matandang babae na may dalang dalawang malalaking plastic bag na may lamang samu’t saring sitsirya at mga biskwit. Inaakay siya ng isang estudiyante at lumagpas sila sa pinto ng aming silid. Mabagal lang naman ang lakad ng matanda na akay ng estudiyante, huminto ako sa pagtuturo at sinabihan ko ang matanda na bibili ako, at saka sila lumapit. Hindi na bago sa amin ang mga naglilibot sa campus para magtinda ng mga pagkain pero napukaw ang damdamin ko nang makita ang matandang babae na hirap na maglakad para magtinda. Bukod kasi sa pagiging matanda at kuba na ang likod, napansin ko na bulag pala ang matanda. Pagpasok ng matanda sa silid, umalis na ang estudiyanteng umaakay, sinabihan ko ang buong klase na bumili at ubusin ang paninda niya. Nag-abot ako ng isandaan sa estudiyante ko at sinabi kong ibili lahat iyon at bigyan ang mga kaklase na walang pambili. Bago nagbenta ang matanda’y panay ang pasalamat nito at nagsabing naririnig niya raw ang boses ko habang nagtuturo nang napadaan siya ngunit nahihiya siyang mag-alok. 


Tapos habang nagbebenta’y nagkuwento siya na dati rin siyang propesor sa unibersidad na pinapasukan ko, nabulag lang siya kaya’t huminto sa pagtuturo. Dalawampung taon din daw siyang naging Campus Minister. Napansin ko nga na mahusay siyang magkuwento at minsan ay English ang gamit niyang salita. Lumayo muna ako upang makapagbenta siya nang maayos sa mga estudiyante ko, pero mukhang madaldal siya at panay pa rin ang kuwento sa mga estudiyante ko. Pinaliwanag niya ang sakripisyo ng pagiging isang guro dahil naranasan daw niya iyon noon. Kinukuwento rin niya na sa kabila ng paghihirap niya sa kanyang kalagayan ay hindi siya pinapabayaan ng Diyos at lagi’t laging may mga taong nasa paligid niya ang handang tumulong. 

Napagtanto ko na ‘yung mga sinasabi niya na dapat ipamalas ang laging handang pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan, ang pagpapahayag sa mga tao ng matuwid na pamumuhay, at ang kapangyarihang pamunuan at paglingkuran nang may kababaang-loob ang ating kapwa ay ang mga tunay na kahulugan ng pakikibahagi natin sa pamilya ng Diyos at ang tunay na misyon ng lahat ng Kristiyano. Sa pag-aakalang malaking tulong na ang pagbili namin sa matandang babae, mas malaking grasya pala para akin at sa aking mga estudiyante ang aming matatanggap sa pagpapahayag niya ng katotohanan ng buhay at ang pagpapatuloy niya ng tapat na pamumuhay bilang binyagang Kristiyano sa kabila ng kanyang nararanasan sa takip-silim ng kanyang buhay.

Prayer

Panginoon, ipagkaloob Mo sa amin ang biyayang sumampalataya sa aming Panginoong Jesus at talikdan ang lahat ng masasamang bagay na naglalayo sa amin sa Iyo. Higit naming hangad na maipagpatuloy sa pang-araw-araw naming pamumuhay ang kahalagahan ng Sakramento ng Binyag na maging kabahagi ng pamilya ng Diyos na laging handang magtulungan lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. Amen.

 

God's Affirmation

The Baptism of the Lord

January 10, 2016

First reading                                                                             Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11

‘Console my people, console them’
says your God.
‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem
and call to her
that her time of service is ended,
that her sin is atoned for,
that she has received from the hand of the Lord
double punishment for all her crimes.’
A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness
a way for the Lord.
Make a straight highway for our God
across the desert.
Let every valley be filled in,
every mountain and hill be laid low.
Let every cliff become a plain,
and the ridges a valley;
then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed
and all mankind shall see it;
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’
Go up on a high mountain,
joyful messenger to Zion.
Shout with a loud voice,
joyful messenger to Jerusalem.
Shout without fear,
say to the towns of Judah,
‘Here is your God.’
Here is the Lord coming with power,
his arm subduing all things to him.
The prize of his victory is with him,
his trophies all go before him.
He is like a shepherd feeding his flock,
gathering lambs in his arms,
holding them against his breast
and leading to their rest the mother ewes.

Psalm	Psalm 103:1-4,24-25,27-30

Second reading                                                                         Titus 2:11-14,3:4-7                    God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.   But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.

Gospel                                                                           Luke 3:15-16,21-22

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’

Reflection

By Anabelle Payod-Balla

My youngest daughter always calls my attention when I am at home. She wants me to look at her when she is doing or saying something. She would ask me questions like " Ma, is my drawing nice?, Ma, do you like my song?, Ma, will you come with me to school?, Ma, can you stay with me at home?" And so many other questions that seem to seek assurance or confirmation.

Like my youngest daughter, I ask questions as well to get feedback on how I am doing. At work, we have an annual performance review and we normally ask for feedback from subordinates, colleagues, peers, and direct managers. We do this to understand or get confirmation on our strengths and weaknesses. It is also a way to affirm our contributions and value to the organization and to those we work with.

Everybody needs affirmation. We want to hear that we are loved, valued, and that we are doing the right thing. We want our efforts and good behaviors to be recognized especially by those who matter to us and those we want to impress.

Should we seek affirmation from God as well?

In today's Gospel, God the Father testified during Jesus' baptism. He affirmed Jesus by saying " You are my beloved Son. With You, I am well pleased."

God Almighty is the One who should matter most to us. Let us strive to please Him in everything we do so that when it is time for our performance review, we will hear Him affirm us and say, " With you, I am well pleased."

Prayer

Father, we praise You for allowing us to be Your children through our baptism. Help us to be more like Jesus. Lead us Lord, in all our ways. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.