SECOND BIRTHDAYS
My Baptism - Initiation to the Catholic Faith and Tradition
“God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him” (Gen.1: 27)
Msgr. Jingco, my parish priest once said, “My real birthday is on the day I was baptized as a Roman Catholic. I want to celebrate the day I became heir to God’s kingdom.”
That’s amazing! Very few people would think that way. I myself haven’t thought of celebrating my baptismal day.
My godfather, Rev. Fr. Jose Guiao and godmother, Lourdes Lugue had a picture taken on my baptismal day, March 8, 1958. I must be blessed, for I am the only one in the family with such a picture. And it must have been a grace-filled celebration. The old black and white picture shows a cute little girl surrounded by loving family members. My mother, Sister Delia and brother Fortunato are in the picture. The midwife is there, too. How wonderful it is to have a photograph of my birthday in God’s kingdom.
Speaking of God’s kingdom, I imagine it as a place abounding with life and love. I like to think of it as a manifestation of who God is. If God is Life, then His kingdom is full of life. It is where every tiny cell finds its meaning in the web of life. And if God is Love, His Kingdom is full of love. It is where we give love and receive love. And if I were to think of it that way, my being an heiress to His kingdom means that I become truly alive, loving and lovable. God, having created us in His image and likeness, has so designed it that we become like Him. Sometimes, we find this foundational principle in a deep theological sense. But when we look at it in terms of day-to-day relational attitudes, it becomes simple and down to earth. And if we try to live each day by being alive, enthusiastic, energetic and loving, then we are not far from living in the image and likeness of God, who is LIFE and LOVE. A simple smile to greet each person in the morning and a warm ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ is a good starter each day. An enthusiasm to go an extra mile would go a long way. A loving gesture extended to each person every time there is an opportunity to do it has a multiplying effect.
In my 45 years, I haven’t imagined how I have made tricycle drivers feel important by my mere sweet smile and good morning greeting every time I pass by them in the morning on my way to church. I also find that I can put love in simple gestures like picking up grocery items fallen from the racks, listening to life stories of our househelps and sharing a little of what I have with those who have less in life.
It doesn’t cost much to be a real Christian. All it takes is to have the will to do it. Everything else becomes spontaneous. And this is the best way to celebrate birthdays. It is making real God’s kingdom…everyday!
My Baptism - Initiation to the Catholic Faith and Tradition
“God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him” (Gen.1: 27)
Msgr. Jingco, my parish priest once said, “My real birthday is on the day I was baptized as a Roman Catholic. I want to celebrate the day I became heir to God’s kingdom.”
That’s amazing! Very few people would think that way. I myself haven’t thought of celebrating my baptismal day.
My godfather, Rev. Fr. Jose Guiao and godmother, Lourdes Lugue had a picture taken on my baptismal day, March 8, 1958. I must be blessed, for I am the only one in the family with such a picture. And it must have been a grace-filled celebration. The old black and white picture shows a cute little girl surrounded by loving family members. My mother, Sister Delia and brother Fortunato are in the picture. The midwife is there, too. How wonderful it is to have a photograph of my birthday in God’s kingdom.
Speaking of God’s kingdom, I imagine it as a place abounding with life and love. I like to think of it as a manifestation of who God is. If God is Life, then His kingdom is full of life. It is where every tiny cell finds its meaning in the web of life. And if God is Love, His Kingdom is full of love. It is where we give love and receive love. And if I were to think of it that way, my being an heiress to His kingdom means that I become truly alive, loving and lovable. God, having created us in His image and likeness, has so designed it that we become like Him. Sometimes, we find this foundational principle in a deep theological sense. But when we look at it in terms of day-to-day relational attitudes, it becomes simple and down to earth. And if we try to live each day by being alive, enthusiastic, energetic and loving, then we are not far from living in the image and likeness of God, who is LIFE and LOVE. A simple smile to greet each person in the morning and a warm ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ is a good starter each day. An enthusiasm to go an extra mile would go a long way. A loving gesture extended to each person every time there is an opportunity to do it has a multiplying effect.
In my 45 years, I haven’t imagined how I have made tricycle drivers feel important by my mere sweet smile and good morning greeting every time I pass by them in the morning on my way to church. I also find that I can put love in simple gestures like picking up grocery items fallen from the racks, listening to life stories of our househelps and sharing a little of what I have with those who have less in life.
It doesn’t cost much to be a real Christian. All it takes is to have the will to do it. Everything else becomes spontaneous. And this is the best way to celebrate birthdays. It is making real God’s kingdom…everyday!
