27/10/2026
CENTRALIGHT MOMENTS
The mission of salvation rests on the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ himself. Yet, God delights in the company of man. He came not as a superhero to save the day in awe-inspiring greatness, expectant of adulation and marvel at his stupendous deeds. Instead, Jesus came as a humble worker. He gathered unto himself the twelve apostles to serve as the foundation of the Church, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
These twelve apostles were not the most stellar of men by almost any reasonable standard. They were unlearned, sleepyheads, cantankerous, obstinate, and even, at times, petty. To top it all, one of them became a traitor. Yet, nearly two millennia later, the Church, of which they were the foundation, still stands. And still she is filled with men who are far from being outstanding representatives of the human race.
Reflecting on this reality, Pope Benedict XVI found “infinite comfort.” For him, the Church represents the “continuation of God’s deliberate plunge into human wretchedness.” Through the Church, God continues to remain with us. Through the Church who is his bride, Jesus still calls us to himself.
We are still wanted. We are still chosen. We are still loved.
SEM. MARK ROBERT B. BALDO
Archdiocese of Manila
Configuration Year II
