Fade away

FOR years, the church had a lousy sound system. One Sunday morning, the priest happily announced that by next week they will have a new public address system. The microphone and the wiring were paid for with church funds. Then he added, "The loudspeaker was donated by the mayor in memory of his wife."

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The Lord's baptism (Lk. 3, 15-16, 21-22) should remind us also of our own baptism which carries with it a privilege and a responsibility. Through baptism, we became children of God and members of the church. Through baptism, we became disciples of Christ, with a mission to help spread the kingdom of God. By our person and by the lives we live, do we remind people of God's righteousness and love? Are we living reminders of God's loving presence in our midst?

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Recently, we were at the funeral Mass of 21-year-old Miko Sotto. It was a very painful time for the family especially for his mother Ali, for only a mother can really know what it is like to lose a son. According to Ali, what gave some meaning to Miko's death was that somebody can see today because of Miko's eyes which were donated to the eye bank. Miko lives on. He did not die in vain. Likewise, through baptism, Jesus lives on, He did not die in vain, if we continue to become His eyes, His ears, His hands, and His heart in the world.

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John the Baptist was a mystery to the people. "Could he be the Messiah?" Categorically and clearly, John made his statement that he was not the one. John was honest and uncompromising. He was not a pragmatist, nor was being popular and winnable in his agenda. He was not a manipulator or an opportunist. He was not a jumping frog or a flying butterfly. Want to know who John the Baptist was? Take a look at the breed of politicians all lined up now, and you'll get a clear picture of who John the Baptist was not.

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Having been a basketball player when I was younger, I learned the importance of teamwork, the importance of passing the ball. All the shots are important, but there was one shot that was very effective, the fade-away shot. I wish all our politicians learned this shot. Then we will have hope in this country. John the Baptist knew how to fade away. You and I, too must learn to fade away and let go gracefully of things not meant for us.

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Our baptism should make us go beyond our family, party and circle of friends. We must see the big picture. We must not limit our blessings to ourselves. We must reach out. The more the better. Reminds me of the story of a little boy who drew a picture of the Holy Family riding on an airplane. When the teacher asked him why there were four persons in the picture, the little boy said: "That's Jesus, Mary and Joseph." "But who is the fourth person?" the teacher asked. "Oh, that's Pontius, the Pilot," was the little boy's reply. Have you brought people closer to God? Have you "recruited" people to become members of God's family?

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The presence of the Holy Spirit coming in the form of a dove, is a reminder that God is present, He knows everything, and He sees everything. This reminds me of another story about a boy who had a bad habit of sucking his thumb. To break the habit, the mother pointed out to a fat man and said he has such a big stomach because he sucked his thumb. The next day, the boy saw a pregnant woman. Asked why he was staring at her, the boy grinned and said "I know what you've been doing!" Politicians, and all you who think you can get away with your lies and pretenses, remember, God knows, and we will know what you are doing.

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January 15 is the Feast of St. Arnold Janssen who was canonized last October 5. I just received a testimony from XVD Bobby Mendiola about what he claims is a miracle that happened to his brother-in-law, Edgar Villafuerte, who was given six months to one year to live due to cancer last March 2003. Bobby and wife Len asked continuously for St. Arnold's intercession. Last January 6, Edgar sent word that he is well, and there are no traces of cancer. Along with the physical healing came the healing of relationships in Edgar's family, in Edgar himself and in his relationship with God. The miracle of a saint does not end with his/her canonization. All the more they continue and abound.

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You are invited for a one day and a half experience for widows, separated and single parents at the Good Shepherd Convent, Aurora Boulevard, January 17-18. Please contact +63 2 6331965/7231515/9283494.

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You are also invited to send your "angel thoughts" to Deedee Siytangco's column and TV program to help inspire people. Send to DEE Angels Thots +63 91670002424.

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A moment with the Lord

Lord, help me to learn how to let go and fade away gracefully for you. Amen.