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.

Patience is a Virtue

Third Sunday of Advent

14 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

My late father-in-law Felix was a farmer. In my first visit to him in Romblon, he showed me vast rice fields that he was looking after. I was amazed and had the impression that he must have been diligent and patient looking after his rice fields. Reading Saint James’ Letter, reminded me quite well of him: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth…until it receives the early and the late rains” (Jm 5:7).

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist seemed getting impatient while in prison. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the long-awaited Messiah. Instead of simply saying yes, Jesus gave some signs "the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Mt 11:5).

We can sometimes be like John. We could have been discerning for a vocation in life, praying for an urgent need, or are having second thoughts if this person is the right individual we would like to be our companion for life. We could have been eager to get results quickly. Perhaps, we could have been searching for God amidst the chaos in this world. Whatever (or whoever) causes us to be impatient, Jesus reminds us gently of the signs of His coming. Be still.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You came to save us. Grant us the grace to be patient and work together so that all people may experience the salvation You bring. Filled with Your Spirit, help us to bring sight to those blinded by wealth, power, and ambition; to enable those who have been lamed by falsehood to walk again in Your truth; to cleanse those whose minds and hearts have been rendered impure by vice; to regain hearing to those who have become deaf to the cries of the oppressed; to raise those who have become dead to sin; and to proclaim Your Good News to the poor. Amen.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.

Present Miracles

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

24 June 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1-b3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

Two years ago, I wrote a reflection based on the same Gospel about the Nativity of John the Baptist. During that time, my son was only 2 weeks old, and I shared some of the things that made me asked, “What, then, will this child be?” Fast forward to today, I want to share some insights that I was able to gain after I continue to witness “partial miracles” and why I think I will keep asking the same question that the neighbors and relatives of Zechariah asked after his mouth opened, and his tongue freed.

My son is now a “terrific” two. I don’t want to say “terrible”, a common label referring to a toddler, because I that may also reflect how I am doing as a parent (at least in words and thought). Just like he was so busy inside his mother’s belly, he became a very active toddler running around at every chance he gets. His cries are louder now, and he can now tell what he wants and insists on it. He sleeps well now but getting him to sleep has become one of the greatest challenges for me and my wife. Everything I thought about him has evolved from an overwhelming emotional and mental rollercoaster, into a gigantic, humongous volcano with its own weather system constantly erupting and thundering inside my head. But he will always be one of our greatest miracles and we will always believe that “the hand of the Lord is always with him.” Seeing only a part of a miracle may help us hold on to faith. However, there are times seeing most of the miracle, if not all, being laid before us may add to those uncertainties that we were already thinking about. I still worry about being a good father; I still worry about guiding him properly in life; I still worry if I’ll be able to take care of him and keep him away from harm all the time. But I continue to learn that these worries are also part of the miracles that push me forward to face every obstacle head on. Because the other part of that miracle is doing my best to be a good father; one part of that miracle is learning how to guide him properly; and another part of that miracle is accepting that my son will experience hurt and pain, but I can choose to be with him as he goes through it.  Being part of a miracle may sometimes take our gaze away from its benefits. Fear came upon the neighbors of Zechariah maybe because they were overwhelmed with emotions thinking about the future that must come – especially the duties and responsibilities they will have. Like them, when we get overwhelmed by the wonderful things, we tend to focus only on the uncertainties and forget that God has always been working His miracles in us. It is also in those moments of being overwhelmed that we need to remember how God calms our hearts and remind us that we are all part of His Divine plan.

The words of the prophet Isaiah – “The LORD called me from birth…from my mother’s womb he gave me my name” – has struck me by the tender certainty of a Father’s voice speaking from the beginning. As a father guiding my little one down life’s path, I know what it feels like to carry dreams for someone who is yet to learn more about life. One of my prayers for my son, as I likely thought Zechariah also whispered to John was: “May your life shine, may your strength be well spent, may your calling be clear.” Sometimes I cannot help but think that like Isaiah’s words, “I thought I had toiled in vain” when I feel I am not giving what my son needs and deserves. Yet I marvel that every distressed effort and every uncertain step has already been intertwined into a recompense only God could plan.

The calling of John the Baptist also recounts to this Divine Plan. Chosen from the womb to prepare the way of the Lord, he lived as a father’s vision of faithfulness manifested. He did not appear on center stage for applause, but stood in the wilderness, a light of conviction, pointing beyond himself. I imagine Zechariah praising God each time his son’s voice echoed across the Jordan river, confident that every prayer of preparation, every offering of guidance, had not been wasted.

While I still ask, “What will my son be?”, I pray that I keep my eyes fixed on the present miracles: the joy of learning and discovery, the tears and comforts during hurts, and the thrill of being part of every precious moment no matter how small it is. Without seeking an answer to my question, I pray that these miracles would keep reminding me that despite fear of uncertainties, I can redirect back my gaze of partaking in the greatest miracle of God, who journeys with His children and help us grow to become strong in spirit.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, in Your perfect timing You granted Elizabeth the miracle of a son. You showed great mercy, and all who heard rejoiced. By Your providence through Zechariah, John’s name was proclaimed, defying expectation and revealing Your wonderful plan. Graciously fill our hearts with the same wonder and amazement that we may praise and glorify you despite our fears. May we, like John, grow strong in spirit, carrying Your eternal light into the desert of our lives until Your presence is revealed. AMEN.

Did I Come Close?

   

Second Sunday of Advent

08 December 2024

 

First Reading: Bar 5:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Phil 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel: Lk 3:1-6

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

In the recent Feast Conference I attended, Jonathan Roumie, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the TV series "The Chosen" was asked, "If you will see Jesus face to face, what will you say to Him?"

Jonathan answered, "Was I close? Did I come close to how You want people to see You through me?"

I believe that should also be our state of mind everyday. At the end of the day, did we make Jesus proud? The intention is not to make us feel distressed but more of repentant with the intention to do better the next day.

Today's Gospel says, "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths' (Luke 3:4)." In the same line of thought, are we preparing the way of the Lord? Or are we the burden to His path?

Preparing the way of the Lord seems to be a daunting task. But we can start with the little gestures that can mean more to the receiver. A practical example would be controlling our temper, practicing patience while driving or commuting to work, and being kind to an erring staff. As Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

Prayer

Father teaches us how to prepare the way of the Lord. May we not be the cause of our brother to stumble away from His path but instead a beacon of Your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

(* Feast Conference is the yearly gathering organized by the Light of Jesus, a Catholic Charismatic community)

Partial Following

    

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

15 September 2024

 

First Reading: Is 50:5-9a

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: Jas 2:14-18

Gospel: Mk 8:27-35

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

Most of us today are familiar with following people and being followed by people in social media. We may know few or plenty of things about a person through what they post or share online. Getting to know people and being updated with them is not that hard today even if we have not met personally. We have our own reasons why we follow people on social media. Those people who have similar values and principles to us may be one of those reasons why we want to be updated about them. This following can go on until a post or something that the person says is not anymore aligned with the follower’s values and principles. For instance, we have seen many people unfollow celebrities who posted or commented about a certain issue which is against what their followers believe or stand for. In the past years, I have seen people unfollow their friends in social media because of issues such as politics and different views about justice. Someone I know was confronted by her longtime friend because of sharing a post by a human rights activist about the ceasefire against Israel’s attack on Gaza. Her friend says that she is siding with the terrorist when she shared that post. They unfollowed each other before even trying to understand and delve deeper into their points. Sometimes, differing points of view and principles can sever a relationship more than being wronged. However, what people share on social media becomes their full self and the basis for judgement. If we ask ourselves, “Who do people say that I am?”, answers can vary depending on what we post and share online, not even considering what we do offline.

If we ask our friends, “Who do you say I am?”, what will they say? I believe they will say a lot about us from a deeper perspective. When Jesus asked the disciples, Peter replied “You are the Christ.” His reply was like he knew Jesus from a deeper perspective. But things go differently when Jesus spoke about how He must suffer greatly. If I were to hear it first, like Peter, I would also react the same way. But in this way, I would only be looking at Jesus as the savior without seeing one of the most important journeys of salvation. We can ask ourselves again, “Who do I say Jesus is?” Do I think of Jesus at all, in trouble times or in joy? Because it greatly matters about the way we direct our lives through Him, the way we worship Him, and the way we live.

Peter did not realize at that time that suffering is part of the divine plan of salvation. Today, we can easily say that suffering is part of human condition but not see it through the eyes of Jesus. There is a difference between suffering and sacrifice. Through Him, suffering has a purpose, which becomes a sacrifice. A mother who suffers physical exhaustion to give her child a better sleep is a sacrifice. A father who endures the time being away from his family to work is a sacrifice. Sacrifice will always be a self-giving act, an act of love, no matter how big or small that deed is. To give a friend a chance to talk about his or her belief and be open to understand his or her principles, is an act of self-giving. I believe that sacrifice is also a “denial of self” which can be achieved only in terms of self-giving and in terms of love.

In everything that we do and decide, we can also ask ourselves, “Where is the following of Christ in this?” Our choices in life and the way we live somehow determines if we follow Christ as our whole self, or just a partial following. We can never separate our views or opinion about justice from the justice that Jesus stands for. Like when someone says that their political views are separate from their religious views. It’s like saying “I am following Christ, but I am letting Him take my cross.” Today, we pray to God to grant us the grace to allow ourselves to be whole in reaching out to Jesus, with all the inconveniences and even pain, for us to be reminded not to look away from the inconvenient part of the divine plan of salvation.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, teach us to look at our lives through Jesus. May we transform our suffering by giving it purpose and do it as a selfless act of love. We pray for the people around us that we may share the sufferings in terms of self-giving and love for each other. In Jesus' Name we pray, AMEN.

Born for the Light

    

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

24 June 2024

 

First Reading: Is 49:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 139 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26

Gospel: Lk 1:57-66, 80

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Kristina and Joey have been married for a few years. During family reunions, relatives often ask them when they would have a baby. As Kristina grew older, a relative discouraged her from trying as she was past the age when women conceive. In spite of that, the couple continued to pray and try. A few months passed, Kristina got pregnant and then gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Josephine Emilia. Two years later, the couple is expecting another baby.

In today's Gospel, a baby boy was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Nine months previously, Zechariah admitted to the angel Gabriel "I am an old man and my wife is well on in years" (Lk 1:18). In spite of this, the Lord has shown His favour on this holy couple. Relatives and neighbours sharing their joy ask, "What, then, will this child be?" (Lk 1:66). The Lord will make this child the light to the nations, "that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6). He will be the Lord's forerunner who "heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel" (Ac 13:24).

"What, then, will this child be?" This would often be our question gazing on a new-born baby. Perhaps this was the same question asked by our parents and elders when we were born. The Lord has favoured Elizabeth and Zechariah, Kristina and Joey. He has blessed us too with a gift of a child or children. Like us, our child or children may not have a gargantuan task like John the Baptist's, but we have a duty to spread the word of salvation. We have a mission to bear witness to Jesus, "the true light that enlightens all men" (Jn 1:9).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, "we praise You, for we are wonderfully made" (cf. Ps 139:14). Through the prayers and example of Saint John the Baptist, help us, especially all expectant parents, to value the gift of life and dedicate it to prepare a way for Your coming. Amen.

The Road to Conversion

    

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

21 January 2024

 

First Reading: Jon 3:1-5, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1 Cor 7:29-31

Gospel: Mk 1:14-20

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo Gonzales

 

Today’s Gospel cues us into the spectacle of conversion. Conversion is comparable to the ‘toss and turn’ we run through as we try to sleep and go in search for the spot that gives us the greatest comfort; do we sleep on one side? On our bellies? On our backs? The shuffling on bed we experience gives us that: the chance of finding which position is most comfortable. While conversion involves quite a longstanding series of toss and turn… of trial and error, in the story of conversion, comfort is where we depart, as the road to conversion is anything but comfortable.

John the Baptist is associated strongly to conversion. As he earnestly called people into repentance, he was labeled rather harshly. His zeal for service among other things that would have him living so austerely such as going from place to place homeless, wearing camel hair over his body, and feeding on locusts and wild honey would brand him upon others a madman; but all this would only bring more attention to his untamed fire for evangelization.

 

Special was John’s relation to the Lord that the Lord would find Himself weeping strongly upon his later execution; but the Lord we see in today’s Gospel did not steer away from service, despite John being delivered up to his captors. Jesus went on to continue His mission, proclaiming to people the Good News of salvation.

In mission, Jesus would find two of His early apostles – Simon who would be called Peter, and his brother Andrew, who would believe in His Messianic Identity. The brothers were casting their nets into the sea, only to be told they would be fishing for much bigger catch – people themselves. If only they knew how much more baffling it would be to perfect the self, let alone to lead others to a life that is spiritually spotless, their ‘yeses’ could have been a more difficult give; but it remains – people are in for some spiritual reeling.

Here, the amazing display we could emulate is how instant Simon and Andrew were to follow the Lord. While not all instant things are good and at times being instant could mean the lack of preparation or thoroughness, Simon and Andrew’s instant ‘yes’ in this case signifies the abandonment of self in the Face of One with Whom they can place their trust in confidence and childlike innocence.

The road to conversion is not always to be spoken of in third person as written accounts of conversion would have us think instantaneously. it is not for the people only – those outside us – to undertake. In the First Reading, in the story of Jonah, it was revealed: the prophets themselves (as are we) may be just in equal need of conversion, if not greater.

In more expounded accounts, Jonah would be shown to be rather obstinate. God would tell Jonah to call Nineveh to repentance, and Jonah, repeatedly, would turn away from the Lord, going into a place he thought he would not be found. He was angry with God for giving importance to Nineveh enough for him to be instructed to deliver God’s message there personally, and so because God was patient with the Ninevites and gave them considerable leeway to correct themselves. These were grating for Jonah to see; but the Lord would later lovingly reply: “is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4) “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left? […]” (Jonah 4:11) The Lord would send a big leaf to grow over Jonah’s head, sheltering him from the sweltering heat (Jonah 4:6) – all this love for the dissenting and angry Jonah.

Does this story remind us of anyone familiar? I am welling up with droplets as I am writing this. This show of complicated feelings represents us all. The road to conversion is not at all easy and as others are called to it, so are we. Conversion does not mean perfect – as a standard that impeccable would have everyone falling short; it points instead to the unyielding zest to lay down our arms, to relinquish all defense, to turn back to the Lord with contrite hearts over and over, seventy times seven, the only perfect thing here being God’s love… God’s patience… God’s mercy.

On the road to repentance, does it matter if we start perfectly? Not so. For in the eyes of heaven, who is the son obedient to his father’s request? The son who has said “no” but had a later change of heart and went to follow his father’s wishes, or the son who said “yes” but later recanted his decision? The hearers of the parable would say: “the first.” (Matthew 21:28-32)

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for Your being patient with us in our conversion.

Though we have hearts of stone, please help us gain hearts of flesh and please send within us Your Spirit to help us live in Your statutes. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Though our sins be like scarlet, please make us white as snow; though our sins be like crimson, please make us white as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

In all these, please shower Your love upon us, to make our yokes easy and to make our burdens light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

These we ask in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Great Men of Faith

    

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

14 January 2024

 

First Reading: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Second Reading: 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20

Gospel: Jn 1:35-42

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo Gonzales

 

Featured in today’s Readings are great men of faith – called to undertake a special service for the Lord, and whose ‘yeses’ resounded in characteristic honor. In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist, deemed by Jesus Christ Himself as one who, born of women, would find relative to himself no one greater (Matthew 11:11) was to go before Christ to direct our paths to Him – to predispose ourselves for the Christ to come. When John the Baptist saw Christ passing by, he was quick to turn the attention of his disciples Andrew and Simon to Christ, making no short work of the mission assigned to him. Andrew, compelled by Jesus’ Identity as the Messiah, eagerly recounted this news to Simon, who would then be called Peter – the rock from which the Church would be built. Such an exchange is overall reminiscent of how we are called into Church – with one having testified, us being convinced, and we all pulling each other invitingly into community.

In the First Reading, we see Samuel, a model character himself. He was to act as prophet and judge among God’s people, leading them towards repentance and providing them with counsel over spiritual and civil affairs. On many accounts, Samuel was touted an impartial judge, arbitrating fairly among God’s people, listening day in and day out to their myriad disputes, and turning them away from their evil ways.

Samuel’s call to service is one we could find some fascination in. He was sleeping in church – an act others would look disapprovingly upon; but the way he was called repeatedly by the Lord nevertheless tells us that the circumstance we find ourselves in when we are called does not matter so much as the purpose for why we are called – and the purpose for which we are beckoned into service is a piece of knowledge only God holds in full. Although appreciated when known, what matters is that we are called, and what we actually do about our calling. John the Baptist and Samuel were model characters of this calling set into proper motion.

To align our bodies with the purpose they were intended for, that is, to run abreast with Christ’s mission, lends us to a life in unity with the Lord and His community – the Church. In today’s Second Reading, not to fornicate is [only] an example of how to preserve the sanctity of our bodies. Anything we do that maintains our body’s honor is homage to the rightful state in which God wants us to treat our bodies – as His very temples or tabernacles; and in so far as we live in consonance with the community around us, being social creatures that we are, the good we do to ourselves is generosity extended to our brothers and sisters.

As we assess our whereabouts for the day, a question we could ask ourselves – one simple enough that we can take with us conveniently would be: “how Christlike have I lived my life today?” Or as we go through the day when we are right in the middle of everything, a variation of this would be the more popular: “what would Jesus do?” In all these, may the Holy Spirit be our ever-living Counsel.

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for giving us good examples to emulate for the conduct of our personal lives.

As we go through each day, may we pattern our lives after Your shining example; and in all the times we fall short of Your golden standard, please give us the grace of forgiveness for the shortcomings with which we have no way else than to make peace, or the grace to persist for those with You we can amend. Please give us the wisdom to know the difference.

These, we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, 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.

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.