Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan emphasized the importance of communal effort in times of crisis during his homily on Jan. 12, 2025, for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
He called for unity and action, highlighting the value of bayanihan (communal effort).
The prelate cited recent fires in Los Angeles as well as incidents in Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas to illustrate the need for collective action.
“When a fire breaks out… we do not just evacuate. We fight,” he said. He stressed that communities must work together rather than act individually. “Do not act alone. Like during the Nazareno Traslacion, stand together, help one another, and unite in action. If we fight as one, we will prevail,” Cardinal David added.
He linked this call for communal solidarity to a deeper spiritual message, reminding the faithful of their shared identity as children of God.
“Awakening to who we are in God’s eyes comes with awakening to who we are to one another—we are brothers and sisters. Because we hear the voice of God saying: ‘You are My children.’ And we respond: ‘You are our father; and we are brothers and sisters!’” he said.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading from Luke 3:15-16, 21-22, Cardinal David spoke about Jesus’ baptism and the role of the Holy Spirit.
He explained that the baptism performed by John the Baptist was an occasion for the Holy Spirit to descend upon Jesus and reveal His true identity.
“The act of immersion performed by John was merely an occasion for the holy spirit to descend upon him. It was the spirit who stirred his inner being and gave him full awareness of who he truly was: not just the son of Joseph and Mary, but the son of god!” he said.
The Cardinal noted that in the Gospel of Luke, this moment of awakening occurred while Jesus was praying after His baptism.
“That moment became His awakening,” Cardinal David said. He further explained that Jesus’ awakening to His divine identity became the foundation of His central message: the prayer and teaching of “Our Father.”
“Our Father is the response humanity is called to make to a God who recognizes us as His children, through the Spirit that awakens our hearts to who we are in God’s eyes,” he said.
Cardinal David urged the faithful to act in unity, inspired by God’s love and their shared identity as brothers and sisters.
He reminded the public that recognizing their role in God’s family calls for practical action and compassion in their communities.