Producing Good Fruit

Second Sunday of Advent

07 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

It’s this time of year when parishes across the world organise the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas. I remember the late Fr. Larry Faraon, OP once complained that some people just go to confession to remove their guilt and then repeat the same sins all over again.

In today’s Gospel, we read that John the Baptist had a great following from “Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan”. It was a great sign that a large group of people wanted to be baptised as a sign of their repentance. John welcomed them all, however he did not mince his words when he saw Pharisees and Sadducees falling in line: “You brood of vipers!” (Mt 12:34). Imagine yourself being called as such! He challenged these people to go beyond the ritual by showing that they are sorry for their sins. 

John’s harsh words are also addressed to us. If we are serious of being reconciled with God, we must not just get rid of our guilt every time we go to confession. We must “produce good fruit” (Mt 3:8) as proof of our repentance. Otherwise, we “will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10). 

The Jubilee Year calls us to hope. One of the threats to this virtue is presumption. John warned the Pharisees and Sadducees not to be presumptuous that they are Abraham’s children: “God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Mt 3:9). We therefore need to be on guard lest we rely on ourselves to be saved or obtain forgiveness from God without conversion (CCC 2092). Being a Christian in name is not enough to be welcomed into God’s Kingdom. We need to be fruitful!

   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You sent prophets to remind Your people of Your Son’s Coming and our need for repentance. Grant us the grace to be truly sorry for our sins, make a good confession, and do concrete actions to make amends. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.

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.

Greater than I

    

Third Sunday of Advent

15 December 2024

 

First Reading:  Zep 3:14-18a

Responsorial Psalm: Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

Second Reading:  Phil 4:4-7

Gospel:  Lk 3:10-18

 

Reflection

By:  Grace B. Madriñan

 

“I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming.

I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. “  - Luke 3:16-17

When I was younger,  I often got discouraged whenever there was someone better or greater than me.  I recall during High school when I joined a poster making contest, the proclaimed winners are usually those who excel in abstract art while I often got critiqued for lack of color and style. So I stopped joining art contests all together. Then one time I also joined a Math contest and I barely made it to the top 10, so I stopped joining Math contests as well. I tried joining Banduria club but I was classified under class B which did not get to practice as much as class A, so I soon lost interest.

In today’s Gospel, St. John the Baptist has no problem being the second lead. His humility is incomparable.  He could have easily claimed that he is the Messiah and people will believe him. But instead, he pointed to Jesus,  “One mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. (Luke 3:16-17)”  He even underrated his role even when he is the forerunner of Christ,  and has brought multitude of followers.  His contribution is significant to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

Now that I got older and maybe more mature,  I have already embraced the fact that there is always someone better or greater than me.  Besides, who am I?  I am a mere earthen vessel entrusted with special talents.  The only assignment I got from the Lord is to enjoy it and share it with others.  If my efforts fell short or even less compared to others, it doesn't matter anymore.  Because God sees my heart in everything I do, I know I made Him proud.

Prayer

Dear Lord, teach me to be humble. May I be content with the thought that I got to do Your will without the need to be applauded. Amen.

Laying His Hands On Us

Birthday of St John the Baptist

24 June 2018

First reading                                                                      Isaiah 49:1-6
Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength– he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Second reading                                                     Acts 13:22-26

In those days, Paul said: God made David king of our ancestors.. In his testimony about him he said, “I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.” Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.” “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.

Gospel                                                                    Luke 1:57-66, 80

The time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

Reflection

By Bernard M. Borja

It always amazes me when I remember stories I’ve heard about the childhood days of my father. At a very young age, he did not go much into playing games. He had to work and help his mother earn a living by repairing broken umbrellas and sometimes selling it. They needed to walk far from their home, shouting what they offer, just to find customers. Some of his spare time are spent in thinking of other ways to earn. What’s more amazing is how he was able to think like adults do during his time. At a very young age, I believe he already earned the title “entrepreneur”. There was a time when he was able to sell homemade ice cream on sticks without a supplier, and without a refrigerator. He bought ingredients using a part of his earnings, made the ice cream at their home, and then he went to his friend’s house who has a refrigerator. He made a deal with his friend to rent a part of their refrigerator, in which the payment will come from the ice cream’s sales. In simple things, he was able to achieve more than a person can imagine. 

Not long ago, I was able to hear conversations from my father and one of his long time friends who came back from abroad. As they were reminiscing their younger days where they grew up, I realized that my father did not only go through the challenges of working at a young age just to help his family and finance his own education. He has also inspired the people around him to work hard for their dreams and loved ones. I believe his mother felt God’s favor every time my father pours his heart into everything he does. Because surely, the hand of the Lord was with him. 

John the Baptist came in to the world to prepare the way of our Lord Jesus. God took care of him through Elizabeth and Zechariah until the day he started his ministry. God’s hand continued to touch him to reveal the good message of the coming of the Messiah. I believe that God also does this to us. He continues to touch our earthly fathers and entrust a mission that they are bonded to for the rest of their life. Before our earthly fathers bore the life mission of raising a family, they were also once a child who grew up  and became strong in spirit. 

As I remember how hard it was for my father to work at a young age, I become more grateful that God sent a wonderful being to be not just a pillar of the home, but also of strength, hope, courage, and love. And I am honored to receive a life mission similar to his, which God continues to lay His hands on everything that I do for me to be a channel of His wonderful blessings to others

Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank You for continuing to lay hands on us as we go on our mission in life. Thank You for giving us a role model, in the person of our earthly fathers, to inspire us to believe that Your miracles and blessings are always with us in everything that we do. We pray for more of Your miracles to help people grow and become strong in Your spirit.In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Most Awaited Day

Solemnity of the Lord's Birth

25 December 2017

First reading                                                                                           Isaiah 9:1-7

The people that walked in darkness

has seen a great light;

on those who live in a land of deep shadow

a light has shone.

You have made their gladness greater,

you have made their joy increase;

they rejoice in your presence

as men rejoice at harvest time,

as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that was weighing on him,

the barb across his shoulders,

the rod of his oppressor,

these you break as on the day of Midian.

For all the footgear of battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

is burnt,

and consumed by fire.

For there is a child born for us,

a son given to us

and dominion is laid on his shoulders;

and this is the name they give him:

Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God,

Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.

Wide is his dominion

in a peace that has no end,

for the throne of David

and for his royal power,

which he establishes and makes secure

in justice and integrity.

From this time onwards and for ever,

the jealous love of the Lord of Hosts will do this.

Second reading                                                                           Titus 2:11-14                        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.

Gospel                                                                                              Luke 2:1-14

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
  In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

Reflection
By Jessa Janelle Padilla

After our nine days of preparation and waiting, are we ready to welcome Jesus in our life? Yes! Today is our most awaited day, the day when the Word of God became man. Our Savior was born.

In our First Reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, he said that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”. When we experience a dark moment in our lives, we always see a light that guides and helps us to surpass that moment. God always provides solutions to our problems. When we go home at night, there’s the moon and stars, which God created, to give light to our paths amidst the darkness. During these ber months, as we look up in the sky at night, there are constellations, a lot of stars shining above. God never fails to lead our way to the light. Prophet Isaiah also said that “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.” The Son of God was born whom we will adore and give praise. The Son whom Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for. The Son who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit.

In our Second Reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Titus, he points out that the appearance of the glory of God and savior Jesus Christ will deliver us from all lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. May all of us be eager to do what is good for one another. May we inculcate in our minds and hearts that in every action or word we do and say we may not hurt instead benefit and care for others. Let’s apply the quotation ‘No man is an island’ since we cannot survive without other's help, love and care. We should always help, care, and love one another like how Jesus Christ cared and loved us.

In our Gospel reading, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  Imagine how Jesus was born. How can you imagine yourselves being born in a manger together with some animals? We are all blessed that we are born in hospitals or even at home and given proper treatment and care. But in the case of Jesus He’s just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Let’s be thankful and happy in every blessing that we receive and let’s share it with those in need. The spirit of this season encourages us to give care, happiness, and love to one another. We are challenged to let Christ be born not in a lowly manger anymore, but in our hearts. And not only that. From our hearts, let's bring Him to our loved ones and other people.  As Jesus gave joy to God and to us on that first Christmas, may we also give joy to one another .

A joyous and blessed Christmas to all of us!

Prayer

O dear Jesus, we thank God for sending You to be our Savior. We praise Mary too for cooperating in the Father's plan. You are always the light in our journey. May we always follow Your example and go through the path You have prepared for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

How Prepared Are You?

Second Sunday of Advent  10 December 2017

First reading

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:
“In the desert prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”

See, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.

                

Second reading

Second Epistle of St. Peter 3:8-14

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish.

Gospel

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John the baptizer appeared in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection

by Jessa Janelle Padilla

Today’s readings are all about waiting and preparing for the coming of the Messiah. How do we prepare when we expect someone to come and visit us?

In times when we are expecting a visitor to come to our home, we oftentimes do general house cleaning, prepare good meals, put new curtains in our windows, and pull out those antique or nice utensils, even new towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets to be used by our guest. It is how we show our hospitality, welcoming them wholeheartedly. In factories, if there is a scheduled inspection, they clean the entire surroundings and machines, put things in order, and gather their staff for a meeting in order to pass the inspection.

In the First Reading, Isaiah foretells a voice crying out in the desert to prepare the way of God. Such preparation is necessary to to see and reveal the glory of God.

In the Second Reading, Peter said that the Lord does not wish anyone to perish but would welcome all who will come in repentance when He comes back again at a time unknown to everyone. The message is for us to live each day like our last day. We should be thankful, helpful to those in need and repent of our sins so that we are always ready for the coming of the Lord and His judgement.

Our Gospel is all about John the Baptist who prepared the way of Jesus and baptized the people of Jerusalem with water. He encouraged them to acknowledge their sins and be baptized as as sign of their repentance, as a sign of getting ready for Jesus. He also told them that Jesus is mightier than him and will baptize them with the Holy Spirit. John is a perfect example of being humble, lifting up Jesus as someone above him.  

In our daily lives, how do we prepare the way for Jesus? How do we introduce Jesus to other people? My brothers and sisters, as we are now in the second Sunday of Advent,  let us be like St. John the Baptist who is humble and a good servant of God. Let us prepare ourselves for the Lord's Coming, introduce Him to one another, and encourage them to be watchful too.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, guide us in preparing Your way and teach us to be like St. John the Baptist, a humble witness proclaiming Your Coming. May this season of Advent help us to learn our purpose in life and be prepared for Your coming. This we ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

June 24, 2012

“ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

First Reading: Is 49:1-6

Hear me, O coastlands,
listen, O distant peoples.
The LORD called me from birth,
from my mother's womb he gave me my name.
He made of me a sharp-edged sword
and concealed me in the shadow of his arm.
He made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me.
You are my servant, he said to me,
Israel, through whom I show my glory.

Though I thought I had toiled in vain,
and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength,
yet my reward is with the LORD,
my recompense is with my God.
For now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

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

Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26

In those days, Paul said:

"God raised up David as king;

of him God testified,

I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;

he will carry out my every wish.

From this man's descendants God, according to his promise,

has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.

John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance

to all the people of Israel;

and as John was completing his course, he would say,

'What do you suppose that I am' I am not he.

Behold, one is coming after me;

I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet."

"My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,

and those others among you who are God-fearing,

to us this word of salvation has been sent."

Gospel:  Lk 1:57-66, 80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child

she gave birth to a son.

Her neighbors and relatives heard

that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,

and they rejoiced with her.

When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,

they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,

but his mother said in reply,

"No. He will be called John."

But they answered her,

"There is no one among your relatives who has this name."

So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.

He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name,"

and all were amazed.

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,

and he spoke blessing God.

Then fear came upon all their neighbors,

and all these matters were discussed

throughout the hill country of Judea.

All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,

"What, then, will this child be?"

For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

The child grew and became strong in spirit,

and he was in the desert until the day

of his manifestation to Israel.

Reflection

By Gharri Tulabut

Today is a day not suited for those who are not sport or “pikon” especially if you live or go to the cities of Manila or San Juan in the Philippines.

I am talking about the Filipino (or at least some residents of Metro Manila) tradition on the Feast of St. John the Baptist. That is getting people wet by throwing water(or any liquid) on them not until they get wet but until they get mad.

This, of course is a good tradition that just went wrong. So let us not focus on the negatives but rather on the positive things we can learn about the life of the person whose nativity we are celebrating today – St.John the Baptist

Definitely, there are so many things that we can learn about St. John but focusing on today’s readings, here are three important things I learned from his life:

First, is that with God nothing is impossible. In the Gospel today, there is an old couple giving birth to their first born. There is nothing new about that. We all know that God performed miracles. But do we also believe that God still perform miracles? That the God who did all these miracles during the biblical times is still the God that we have today? So, if those miracles do happen before, they can still happen in our times.

Second, is that greatness awaits all the children of God. Sometimes, this greatness would need a little help from the people around. In the case of St. John, it started from prophesying through his name which means “God is gracious”. (I think parents should really make a good effort to pick the right names for their children.) Christ Himself proclaimed in Matthew 11:11 that “History had not known a man born of a woman greater than John the Baptist”.

Third is humility. No matter how great St. John is, he knew his role. He knew how to recognize greatness beyond His own. He was not greedy with fame and power. How I wish many people are like that especially those at work and in the government. But the important thing in recognizing others’ greatness is learning from them and applying them in mastering one’s craft. So that one day, someone else will recognize us and we can pass on the baton to them.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for Your cousin St.John the Baptist, my model for humility and greatness! May he be a role model for people in all walks of life, especially for those in authority. Amen!