Did you know the origin of the term “promissory note”?

Someone texted
me that it comes from two words—“promise” and “sorry.” As often
happens, someone makes a promise, and when unable to fulfill it, he/she
just says “sorry.”

***

Today is the Solemnity of the Lord’s Baptism. We who have been baptized
in our Lord Jesus Christ are reminded today of our baptismal promises to
reject Satan, and to live lives pleasing to the Father. Take a look at the life
you are living now. Are you living a life that is pleasing to our loving God
and Father?

***

In today’s Gospel (Lk. 3, 15-16. 21-22), after Jesus was baptized by John a
voice came from heaven that said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I
am well pleased.” A lot of people today carry the I-am-the-captain-of-my-
soul stance, emphasizing heroic humanism without God. However, our
stance is that of humility and obedience to someone greater than you and
I, living a life anchored on God’s vision and mission.

***

Take note that there is one other important character in today’s Gospel—
John the Baptist. Take note further that he just sort of fades away into the
background. That is one of the most important lessons John the Baptist
teaches us—humility and obedience. “He must increase. I must decrease.”

***

For whom, for what, are you waking up every day? The poor farmers or
daily workers wake up every morning filled with gratitude and hope that
they will earn enough to keep their family alive. The more complicated
people wake up each morning to make more money to achieve their
selfish agenda and to continue their comfortable lifestyles. Who do you
think are living lives that are pleasing to God?

***

Do you think a person involved in drugs or gambling is living a life

pleasing to God? Or someone who steals money from the people,
especially from the little ones? Do you think a public official who steals,
cheats, and lies is a person pleasing to God? Anyone who hurts, uses,
controls and manipulates others is definitely not pleasing to God.

***

What sort of children are pleasing to the Father? First, contemptuous

children are not pleasing to the Father. Those who disrespect or
altogether despise Him with pride do not honor the Father. Remember
that pride and arrogance have caused many to wander and fall.

***

Second, complaining children are not pleasing to the Father, or to

parents, for that matter. There are children who have forgotten to be
grateful, and who always see what is missing and forget to give thanks for
their blessings. How sweet it is to hear “Thank you” from a truly grateful
child! May we live grateful lives. Gratitude, indeed, is the best attitude.

***

Third, children who keep comparing themselves and their fate to others
betray their lack of trust in God’s providence and love. How painful for
parents to be accused of favoritism and lack of love. Remember, as the
Desiderata says: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become
vain or bitter, for always, there will be greater or lesser persons than
yourself.”
***

Fourth, children who control and subsequently do harm to or hurt others

are not pleasing to God. Those who get going at the expense of others
make God unhappy, angry, sad. Parents, for that matter, experience so
much joy when they see their children united in peace and in love.

***

Speaking of parents, the parents of my Mama lived long and blessed lives.
Her father, Tomas Muñoz, died at the age of 89, and her mother,
Laurentina Galicia, died at the age of 98. Mama, by her words and
example, have shown us how obedient and loving she was to her parents.
May we all do likewise to our parents, to our very God!

***

Last Jan. 6 at UST church, as I was about to go down the altar steps to
distribute communion, I was met by a smiling toddler who sat down on
the steps all throughout the communion, waving and smiling at everyone.
It was such a heartwarming sight, reminding me that the Baby Jesus is He
whom we receive in communion, and who invites everyone to come and
receive Him. The child was happy as people kept coming, but there was a
certain sadness in her face when the communion line stopped, and there
were many in the church who did not come forward.

***

Think about it: “Courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity,

choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, truth over
popularity. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there is
never a wrong time to do what is right.”

***
Inviting you to join a pilgrimage to the Holy Land on April 2 to 14. We will
also lead a pilgrimage to Marian Shrines in France and Spain on May 15
to 27, going to Paris, Lourdes, La Salette, Montserrat. For inquiries, please
call 523-8581 to 88, 521-4156, or 7217457.

***

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to live a life that is pleasing to nobody, nobody but You.
Amen.