Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Christmas Season

  • Baptized to Become the Compassion of Christ

    Baptized to Become the Compassion of Christ

    January 11, 2025 – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

    Click here for here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfm)

    On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we are invited not simply to recall a moment in the life of Jesus, but to look deeply and honestly at our own lives as baptized Filipinos. This feast quietly yet firmly asks us: What has our baptism truly done to us, and what is it asking of us today?

    The Philippines remains one of the most religious countries in the world. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, nearly 79 percent of Filipinos still identify as Roman Catholic.[1] Prayer, devotion to saints, novenas, and religious fiestas continue to shape our culture. At the same time, recent surveys reveal a growing tension beneath the surface. A Social Weather Stations survey reported that while about seven out of ten Filipinos[2] say they pray daily, far fewer attend Mass regularly, especially among the younger generation. Many still believe, but many also struggle to connect faith with daily decisions, social issues, and moral responsibility. Faith is present, but often fragile, routine, or confined to our rituals.

    Thus, this reality invites us to examine ourselves. Have we really grown in our faith? Have we deepened our relationship with God and with one another? But, let us remember, our faith cannot be reduced to kneeling and standing, holding a rosary, or faithfully reciting novenas though these are also important practices.

    As sociologist Dr. Jayeel Cornelio has observed, many Filipinos today are searching for something “more” from their faith.[3] This “more” is not about abandoning Catholic tradition, but about longing for a faith that transforms life, confronts injustice, heals wounds, and gives direction amid uncertainty. This “more” is precisely what the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord places before us.

    To discern this “more,” let us allow the Word of God proclaimed to us on this Sunday to guide us.

    In the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear about the Servant of the Lord. This Servant is chosen, beloved, and pleasing to God. God’s Spirit rests upon him. But what defines this Servant most clearly is not power or dominance, but compassion. He brings justice not through violence or force, but through gentleness. Isaiah tells us that a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench. This Servant does not crush the weak; instead, he protects what is fragile, restores hope to the weary, and lifts those bowed down by suffering. He opens blind eyes and frees prisoners living in darkness. God’s justice, as Isaiah presents it, heals and restores before it confronts and corrects.

    The Psalm continues this vision in a quiet but powerful way: “The Lord will bless his people with peace.” This peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is the peace that flows from living in God’s presence, from recognizing that God is active in creation and present in every human life. When we truly acknowledge God’s presence in everything and everyone, respect and reverence naturally follow. Peace then becomes something we embody and share, not just something we pray for.

    This promise finds its fulfillment in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter proclaims that the Servant spoken of by Isaiah is Jesus of Nazareth. He is anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, and His life is marked by a simple yet profound description: He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. These words summarize the entire mission of Jesus. He restores dignity, heals brokenness, and brings hope to those crushed by sin, fear, and injustice. This is how God chooses to be revealed and not through domination, but through mercy.

    All of this reaches its deepest meaning in today’s Gospel, the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus enters the waters of the Jordan, not because He needs repentance, but because He chooses full solidarity with humanity. His immersion in the water is an act of complete trust in the Father. As the Psalm proclaims, the voice of the Lord is over the waters, and Jesus allows Himself to be embraced by the Father’s will.

    As He rises from the water, the Spirit descends like a dove. This moment reveals that God is not distant or unreachable. God’s Spirit rests upon Jesus and remains with Him. Then comes the voice from heaven: “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” These words echo Isaiah’s prophecy and confirm Jesus as the beloved Servant. He is sent to bring healing, justice, and peace.

    This feast today speaks directly to our own baptism as well. In baptism, we too are claimed as beloved. We too have received the Spirit. We too are sent. This is where we discover the “more” that many Filipinos are longing for in their faith. Baptism does not make us passive believers. Rather, it calls us to become active disciples of Jesus.

    We are reminded first that we are deeply loved. This truth alone has the power to heal many wounds, fears, and insecurities. In a society facing economic pressures, environmental threats, and growing inequality, our identity as beloved children of God becomes our deepest strength. We are also reminded that God’s presence is not far away. The Spirit of God dwells among us, in our families, workplaces, classrooms, and communities. We do not need to search only in the clouds to find God. We too are invited to recognize the Lord here and now.

    Our baptism also carries a clear responsibility. We are called to bring justice and peace, not through anger or force, but through compassion and gentleness. Isaiah reminds us that true justice protects the weak and restores hope.

    To live our baptism is to participate in the ministry of Jesus and that is to open our eyes blinded by greed, pride, and indifference, and to free hearts imprisoned by hatred, guilt, and sin.

    As we look ahead to 2026, Filipinos face serious challenges. We have economic uncertainty, the worsening effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, and a growing temptation to reduce faith to mere ritual. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord calls us back to the heart of discipleship. The “more” in our faith is “to make Jesus more present in our actions, more present in our words, and more present in our homes and communities.”

    Let me leave you with two simple reminders to carry with you now:

    First. Live your baptism daily. Let love, honesty, and compassion shape your choices.

    Second. Be Christ where you are. In your family, your work, and your community, allow others to encounter Jesus through you.

    May the grace of our baptism continue to renew us, strengthen us, and send us forth as bearers of God’s peace. Hinaut pa.

    [1] https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/02/22/506351/catholics-make-up-nearly-79-of-philippine-population/

    [2] https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195717

    [3] See https://www.ucanews.com/news/young-filipinos-keep-the-faith-but-shun-conventional-piety/97562

  • BELOVED CHILD

    BELOVED CHILD

    January 11, 2026 – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfm)

    As we all know nowadays, there is an updated way of praying the rosary. Instead of the usual joyful – sorrowful – glorious mysteries, there is an added mystery called the Luminous mystery or the Mystery of the Light to be prayed every Thursdays. This is to emphasize that the life of Jesus is not only Joyful, Sorrowful, & Glorious, but also Luminous.

    Meaning, our salvation thru Jesus does not happen only by means of his birth, suffering & death, and resurrection, but above through his public ministry & mission. Luminous Mystery of the rosary highlights then the evangelization & ministerial work of Jesus proclaiming & bringing above the Good News of God’s salvation to all. 

    Thus, it emphasizes that the mission and public ministry of Jesus wherein his life where not only joyful, sorrowful and glorious but also luminous, radiating God’s love to the all humanity and that Jesus have proclaimed, preached, and shared the Gospel of God’s love to all.

    And the first mystery of the Light – the first highlight of Jesus’ public ministry is his baptism, the Baptism of the Lord. Our gospel today, the Baptism of Jesus by the river Jordan marks the beginning of His public ministry. After thirty years of local ordinary life, Jesus now exposed & revealed himself to the world publicly that He is the long-awaited & anointed Messiah. In his baptism, Jesus knows Himself as God beloved Son, whom the world should listen.

    Meaning, the child Jesus did not remain a child, but grew up as a mature adult responsible person who is on mission, on-the-go & has a message to share for all of us in this life. He offers us not only joy, sorrow & glory but also Light, meaning, direction, guidance & illumination for our earthly & eternal life given to us by God through His Son. Here, Jesus is affirmed as God’s beloved and marked the beginning of his ministry, evangelization and mission.

    Consider then that when he was baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist, he needs to hear the words and confirmation from the Father, himself saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well please”. Such words emphasize his very spiritual identity before God and the vision of God’s kingdom.

    Here, he is reminded in a deep, deep way of who he is, of his very being before God and people – that among anything else, He is God’s beloved Son. This is the very affirmation and confirmation of his being before God.

    In the same way, when he carried out his mission and public ministry, Jesus wants us also to hear the same message from the Father that “You are my Beloved on whom my favor rests”. Jesus wants us to be aware and hear of the very reality that before God, it is not only Jesus but we, you and I who believe in Jesus are also essentially God’s beloved sons & daughters.

    In God’s heart and eyes, we are His beloved children. And by virtue of our baptism, we are consecrated to be God’s children. We are His beloved, not because of our merits – not because we did anything, not because we proved ourselves or not because of what we did and have achieved in life. God still loves us whatever we do or whatever happens in our life, and He would even love us more when while still in this world we also proclaim to Him and all that, “Yes, Lord, I love you, too”.

    Once in a dream a lady found herself at the heaven’s door. She confidently knocks at the door and demands “Let me in”.  But instead she heard God’s loud voice asking, “who are you?” She then replied, “You don’t know me. I am the mother of our town’s mayor. I have been known for my generosity, an elder of the church’s lay organization and have sponsored the education of your seminarians and ordination of your priests. I even spearheaded the renovation of your cathedral in our town”. “Sorry, I don’t know you”, God replied. Angry and disgusted with God, she just stayed outside, grumbling at the doorsteps, while seeing others being admitted inside. Coming to her senses, she once again knocks at the door and requests for admittance. She said, “Lord, actually, my life has been a failure. I am separated from my husband. My children have been involved with a lot of questionable & corrupt activities. I have been oppressive landlord, abusive lady and known gambler. I am a sinner and have caused other’s to sin. I am sorry, Lord”. God replied, “is that so? But still, who are you?” Confused and ashamed of herself, she again stayed outside and pondered who she really is before God. Then something dawned in her that made her stand, knocks at the door and humbly admits “Now I know who I am, Lord. Despite what happened to me in life, I am still your beloved child.” The door then opened widely and God’s voice joyfully proclaimed “Welcome back, my daughter. Come on in.”

    As Christmas is about to end and we are just starting the year, same way as Jesus grew up maturely in life & mission, let us not treat Him to remain as a child, but we allow Him to grow mature in our lives & let Him do his mission & ministry work for us now, so that we can fully benefit from the promise of Salvation he offers us, as God’s beloved children.

    Today we celebrate the feast of Lord’s Baptism for us to once anew hear from Him that we are God’s beloved and proclaim to other that God is also our Beloved. Let us now renew our baptismal consecration, as we profess our faith….

  • Faith That Shows Up

    Faith That Shows Up

    January 5, 2025 – Monday after Epiphany; Memorial of St. John Neumann, CSsR

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010526.cfm)

    When a community faces a problem like sickness, conflict, calamities or poverty, we find it necessary to ask for help. And so, we look for someone we can trust, someone who will not just talk, but will actually show up and do something. Thus, we value presence and value people who serve quietly, without drawing attention to themselves. This simple experience opens our hearts to the message of today’s readings and of the life of Saint John Neumann, a Redemptorist Bishop in the United States, whose feast we celebrate today.

    The Word of God today invites us to live our Christian faith that is true, discerning, and expressed in concrete service.

    In the first reading from the First Letter of John, we hear a strong reminder that our relationship with God is not only about words or feelings. When our hearts are aligned with God’s will, there is confidence and peace within us. But Saint John also warns us that not every spirit comes from God. Not every voice that sounds religious or inspiring is truly leading us to Christ. That is why discernment is important and necessary. The test is clear and simple, we can ask, “Does it confess Jesus Christ, truly God who came among us?”

    Remember, true faith always leads us closer to Christ and to love our neighbor expressed in concrete actions.

    Now, this message is very relevant to us today. We live in a time when many voices compete for our attention. There are all sorts of teachings in the social media, as well as opinions, and trends that promise happiness and success, but can also slowly pull us away from prayer, from the Church, and from compassion for others. Saint John reminds us that real faith produces real love, and real love is shown through obedience and service.

    The Gospel continues this invitation. Jesus begins His ministry by proclaiming repentance and by bringing healing. He does not stay in one place. He goes from town to town, teaching, curing the sick, and restoring hope. People follow Him not only because of His words, but because they experience God’s mercy through Him. Jesus reveals a God who is not distant, but close to human suffering.

    This is where the life of Saint John Neumann becomes a living Gospel for us. He was a Redemptorist priest who left his homeland to serve immigrants in America. He became a bishop not for honor, but for mission. Despite being physically weak and often misunderstood, he worked tirelessly. He gave his life and ministry in building schools, organizing parishes, visiting the poor, and strengthening the faith of ordinary people. He lived simply, prayed deeply, and served generously. He did not seek recognition. He only wanted people to know Christ and experience God’s love.

    Saint John Neumann teaches us that holiness is not about doing extraordinary things, but about doing ordinary things with great love and faithfulness. His life shows us what it means to discern rightly and to respond generously to God’s call.

    As Christians today, we are invited to live the same spirit. Faith must not remain inside the church. It must be carried into our homes, workplaces, and communities. As Jesus calls us, we are to bring healing. Like Saint John Neumann, we are called to serve quietly, faithfully, and consistently.

    So as we honor Saint John Neumann today, receive these two simple invitations.

    First, examine the voices you listen to. This means that you choose what leads you closer to Christ, to prayer, and to the love of neighbors.

    Second, commit one concrete act of service this week. Do it quietly and sincerely, trusting that God works powerfully through humble hearts. Hinaut pa.

  • Following the Star That Truly Matters

    Following the Star That Truly Matters

    January 4, 2025 – Epiphany of the Lord

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010426.cfm)

    What is it that drives you these days? What keeps you awake at night, and what makes you get up each morning and continue? Many of us could also be searching for someone, for something, or for a situation that we hope will finally make us happy. We look for contentment that will quite down our restlessness, for success that will ease our worries, or for love that will fill the emptiness we sometimes carry in silence. This search is very human. It is also very real.

    Each of us, in one way or another, is indeed on a journey. We take risks for what we hope will give meaning to our lives. We leave familiar places, sacrifice time with family, work long hours, and invest our energy in relationships and dreams. But we also know that every journey has its trials. We face failures, disappointments, wrong turns, and moments of deep uncertainty.

    This is where today’s feast, the Epiphany of the Lord, gently meets and calls us. Epiphany means manifestation because God makes Himself known to us. The Gospel tells us of the Magi or wise men, seekers, who followed a star. They were not kings in the political sense. They were probably scholars, observers of the heavens, men who knew how to read signs. They had a common desire and that was to find the truth behind the light they had seen. That star was not only a guide, it was also an invitation for them to behold and to encounter.

    They risked the long road, crossed unfamiliar territories, and faced uncertainty. And yes, they asked questions. They even made mistakes, stopping first at the palace of Herod, assuming that a king must be found among the powerful. Yet, in the end, the journey led them not to a throne but to a child.

    Isaiah speaks of this moment, “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come.” Thus, the light of God is not meant for one people alone. It is meant to draw all nations towards the glory of God.

    Psalm 72 echoes this hope that justice and peace may flourish and that rulers may serve, not oppress. And Saint Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds us that this mystery has now been revealed for in Christ, all are included, all are invited, all are heirs.

    This makes us realize that the heart of Epiphany is not really the Magi. The Epiphany is not about the Three Kings. It is the Epiphany of the child Jesus they have encountered.

    Hence, God chooses to reveal Himself not in strength but in vulnerability of a baby. Not in wealth but in poverty and simplicity. Not in the center of power but in a simple home, with Mary and Joseph, in a place easily overlooked by many. This is the great surprise of God.

    Yet, this was also the reason why Herod was troubled. He was shaken not by an army, not by a rebellion, but by a baby. Remember, power that is built on fear always feels threatened by truth and compassion. Corruption always trembles before humility and honesty. Herod represented all forms of leadership that cling to control and self-preservation. Jesus, even as an infant, already exposed this kind of power.

    For us Filipinos in 2026, this feast also speaks clearly to us. Many families continue to struggle with rising prices, unstable work, and the painful choice of leaving loved ones behind to work abroad. Our young people are searching for direction in a noisy digital world, often pressured to succeed quickly, to look perfect, and to keep up. We also face fatigue from political disappointments, from social divisions, from disasters that test our resilience again and again. In all this, we too are searching for a star.

    Yet, Epiphany reminds us that God is not absent from these struggles. However, we must learn where to look. God may not be found where influence is loud or where promises are grand. God is often revealed in the quiet faith of ordinary families, in honest work done with integrity, in compassion shown to the weak, and in courage that refuses to be silent before injustice.

    Let us remember that the Magi were wise not simply because they searched and were knowledgeable, but because they discerned. They listened. They allowed themselves to be led, even when the path was unclear. And when they found the child, they offered their gifts. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not random. They were acts of recognition and surrender.

    Gold was offered because Jesus is a true king. Frankincense was offered because  Jesus is a priest and divine. And Myrrh, an embalming oil, was offered because as a prophet and savior, Jesus will suffer and die.

    Today, the Lord also invites us to do the same. To seek Him above all. To discern where He is truly present. And to offer not just things, but our lives.

    Hence, I leave you now your three takeaways for this week.

    First. Choose your star carefully. Ask yourself honestly, “What is guiding my decisions right now? Success alone? Fear? Approval? Or the quiet call of God that leads to truth and life?”

    Second. Look for God where He usually hides. Pay attention to the poor, the weak, the unnoticed. God often reveals Himself there, and He waits for us to respond with humility and compassion.

    Third. Pray with openness and courage. Set aside time each day to speak honestly with the Lord. Ask for discernment. Ask for light. And ask for the grace to follow, even when the road leads somewhere unexpected.

    May this Epiphany help us follow the star that truly matters and may it always lead us to Christ. Hinaut pa.

  • Alternative ROUTE

    Alternative ROUTE

    January 4, 2025 – Epiphany of the Lord

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010426.cfm)

    “I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance & amend my life. Amen.”

    We say those words as an act of contrition during confession. In saying these words, we do not only regret our mistakes but we are also making a resolution to change & improve our ways. Meaning, it is not enough just to be sorry of our mistakes, but we have to do something about our mistakes by doing our best because we know that we are and God’s mercy is much better than our sins, faults & shortcomings.

    Making an act of contrition then reminds us that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not only about being sorry for our sins, but above all giving oneself & God a chance to do things right & do the right things for the better than we usually do. It is useless then to do monthly individual confession if & when we don’t change our ways & resolve to improve, but rather go back to our sinful & corrupt ways. Salvation is all about God’s grace in us rather than about our sins.

    Reconciliation then is allowing God’s mercy & forgiveness work in us, rather than finding & counting our woes, sins, faults, mistakes, shortcoming & of others. It is all about receiving God’s grace than accounting our faults. It is all about changing our ways rather than just being sorry for our sins.

    Today, we celebrate the feast of Epiphany. This is our celebration of our remembrance of God’s loving act of reaching out to us (God making Himself known to us) and our acceptance of Jesus, as God’s self-revelation. We, Christians believe that God has given us His only Son, Jesus Christ, as His first gift to us for our salvation.

    By sharing us His Son, we become related to Him and become also His children, and sharers of His divine life. Jesus, indeed, is God’s greatest gift to us. God’s offer of salvation & our reception of Jesus into our lives give another alternative meaning, directions & ways in our life. Because of Jesus, we are blessed & graced by God.

    Here in our gospel today, we are reminded us of what happened when the three kings found the Child Jesus lying in the manger in Bethlehem. Guided by the star, in great joy, they saw the Child Jesus and they did him homage.

    Their encounter of Jesus and the Holy Family in Bethlehem brought the three kings great joy for they have finally found what they are searching for. The birth of Jesus brought new promise & purpose, not only to the local Jews, but also to the migrant magi & to the whole world. With this, like us now, they are grateful, and offered their gifts in homage and thanksgiving to God’s greatest gift to all.

    But let us not forget that after they have witnessed & accepted the Son of God into our lives, they returned by an another alternative route to journey life.

    This is not because they were afraid of Herod, but because of their encounter with Jesus has also changed their lives. After they have recognized God in the child Jesus, the lives of the three kings were never the same again. They did not follow the usual path, but they amend their lives & now tread an alternative way, perspective, and attitude to life. The child Jesus brought them great joy as well as great changes in their way of life.

    The same with our experience of God’s mercy & forgiveness during confession. After celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation, we know deep inside that life now & ahead could & should not be the same again. We have to change our ways & amend our paths. Like the three kings, we have to take an-other, an alternative path of life-journey, much better than our usual lifestyle. The usual King Herod-road to Jesus, our sinful corrupt ways are not anymore safe to tread through again.

    We cannot help but amend our normal ways, or else we find ourselves again with our usual unhealthy drama, blame & excuses – away from God’s grace. Because as we all know & believe, Jesus, God’s salvation for us is more than just about our sins & failures in life, but more about & into God’s love & mercy for us His children.

    As we are beginning a new year, we make an act of contrition. We give ourselves another chance to grow & do better than our life last year. As we receive anew Jesus, God’s greatest gift for us, let us diminish our tendency to account & highlight our mistakes & faults, but be more conscious of God’s grace at work in us.

    And above all, let us amend & improve our lives for the better than our usual normal ways, and seek a new alternative path, roads, & ways for God’s blessing to be always with us today & our near future.

    In other words: “We firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to confess our sins, to do penance, & amend our life.”

    Amen.