JANUARY 12, 2020

Teamwork
The story is told about two men on a tandem bicycle who were
panting and perspiring when they finally reached the top of the hill.
“That was a stiff climb,” said the first man. “It certainly was,” replied
the second man. “And if I hadn’t kept the brake on, we would have slid
backward.”

Today is the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord. In today’s

gospel, we hear of the inspiring tandem of Jesus and his cousin, John,
who baptized him in the Jordan River. Nobody applied the brakes on
anyone. Theirs was teamwork and partnership all the way, and in all
ways.

It is the kingdom of God that suffers if we do not set aside our

division and rivalries. We are a team. There are no greater gods or
superstars among us. We all are equally called to work humbly in the
vineyard of the Lord.

Humility is the key to harmony and unity. Jesus humbled himself

to be baptized by John, who, in turn, humbly prevented him, saying, “I
need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” In the end,
both of them humbly obeyed God’s will.

What is, who is pleasing to God? More than our talents,

achievements and efforts, it is our humble obedience that pleases Him.
Great works are great, but if done without humble obedience, they are
empty, vain and self-serving.
 Take note that our baptism is about membership and mission. By
virtue of our baptism, we become children of God and members of the
Church. But along with this privilege is a mission. We who have been
anointed with the oil of gladness are sent to bring the Good News to
the poor.

Take note: Gladness and good news are a part of our identity, and
must be the trademark of whatever ministry or mission we are called
to do. Be joyful and be a good news!

Pope Francis suggests that we know our baptism date. He urges

us to ask our parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles or friends when
we were baptized, and be grateful for the grace of baptism.

It was a beautiful family moment in our Muñoz clan reunion last

Jan. 4, when cousins and nephews and nieces arrived from Canada,
along with their three babies. Amid shouts of joy and embraces, the
three babies were passed on in the arms of one cousin to another. That
was a beautiful sight, a heartwarming family moment.

Amid wars and forests burning, oppression, sickness and

violence, Pope Francis has this to say to us: “In the saddest moments of
our life, in the most anguishing moment of trial, we must not be afraid,
but be daring like Paul was, because God watches over us. He is always
close to us.”

Think about this: “When you feel like worrying, try praying
instead. Worrying only causes more stress, but prayer creates peace.
God is BIGGER than whatever is stressing you out.”

Fr. Albert van Leeuwen, SVD, from Schipluiden, Rotterdam, has

gone home to his Creator at the age of 91. He spent all his missionary
life in the Philippines, particularly in Abra. He was my first pastor and
mentor as a young priest, and he taught me by his very life example
the values of diligence, teamwork and prayerfulness. It is a privilege to
have lived and worked with this humble spiritual giant who continued
to choose to be simple, hidden and joyful till the very end. Agyaman
kami kenka Apo Albert!

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to work, and teach us to work as a team. Amen.