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.

Taking Responsibility

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

08 December 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

It would have been my father’s 75th birthday today. One of the lessons he inculcated in my mind as a boy was to be responsible for my younger siblings. I learnt this the hard way when he punished me and my younger brother for failing to look after one of our sisters who fell from the stairs. Fast forward, when he had his first grandchild, he sent me an e-mail: “Look after yourself, your mother, your brother and sisters, and my grandson”. Our family has grown ever since and that message continues to resonate, especially now that he is gone.

In our First Reading, Adam and Eve shunned responsibility when God confronted them for their disobedience. Contrast that with today’s Gospel where Mary responded to God’s call: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38). No wonder, Mary is called the new Eve!

Papa was a devotee of the Rosary. This became evident when our clan organised a daily online Rosary during the Covid lockdown in 2020. The devotion continues up to this time. When he was still alive, he religiously attended these devotions and would lead every week with my younger brother. Through the Rosary, we could readily see how Mary took responsibility, first as Mother of God and later as Mother of the Church. Did she fully understand what these roles are? Absolutely not! Yet she trusted because she was “in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will” (Eph 1:11).

Today’s feast recalls how Mary was conceived without original sin in the womb of her mother Saint Anne. This glorious occasion gives us hope because like Mary, we too have been chosen by God “before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him” (Eph 1:4). The call to holiness is addressed to all of us regardless of our status in life. Are we going to shun or take responsibility?

Prayer

Loving Father, You willed that Mary be immaculately conceived to prepare her to be the Mother of Your only begotten Son. Through her example and prayers, grant us the grace to lead holy lives so that we too may welcome Jesus in our hearts. In His Mighty Name we pray. Amen.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

May the soul of Mario and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.