By Heather Pascua and Glaiza Salanio

On Monday, January 8, 2024, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community gathered as one on the third floor of the Formation Learning Center (FLC) Building to celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. 

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Raymund Benedict Hizon, SJ. 

CRIBS Foundation, a non-government organization (NGO) that helps abandoned, neglected, and surrendered babies as well as female minor survivors of sexual abuse, was the primary beneficiary of the mass. 

“We are most ourselves when we are thankful and humble,” Fr. Raymund, the homilist, said as he began his sermon.

Fr. Raymund shared an experience as he was on his way back to Loyola Heights from their visit to the penitentiary.

While on his way, Fr. Raymund mentioned that a passenger carpooled with them and was later battered by the tricycle driver.

Fr. Raymund narrated, “Sabi ng driver, ‘May atraso kasi sa’kin ‘yon.’”

He shared that while he was grateful to be spared from harm, he felt ashamed for doing nothing while witnessing the violent scene.

“I was awakened to what was given to me when I was baptized,” Fr. Raymund stated. He said that what he had witnessed led him to realize who he was and what he wanted to be.

“Our own baptism inaugurates our mission as Christians,” he added.

Finishing his sermon, Fr. Raymund encouraged the crowd, “Recognize who you are, what you want to be, and what you live for.”

The homily was then followed by the acknowledgment of the sponsors of the mass by Mr. Noel P. Miranda.

The class sponsors, namely, 12-Acquaviva, who created the publication materials and presentation slides; 12-Pantalia, who served as the mass readers; and 12-Ogilvie, who took charge of the stage backdrop, were also recognized.

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

The end of the Christmas season is signified by the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which happens every second Sunday of January.

The Rite of Baptism both establishes Jesus’ status as a child of God and marks the start of His mission.

John the Baptist was hesitant to baptize Jesus when he first arrived together with everyone else who wants to be baptized, including the sinful people. 

In fact, Jesus had nothing to repent of in John’s baptism, which is a baptism of repentance.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. (Matthew 3:13-15)

This verse signified that Jesus was baptized to become like one of us and fulfill all righteousness, despite having no sin.

As we celebrate and reflect on our own baptism, we must remind ourselves that, according to Pope Benedict XVI, baptism “is communion with the One who conquered death and holds in his hand the keys of life. Belonging to this circle, to God’s family, means being in communion with Christ, who is life and gives eternal love beyond death.”