From Safari….
Today, feast of the Baptism of the Lord, marks the end of our almost 20 days of Christmas. Prior to Vatican II the Christmas season ended on February 2nd, the day in which we celebrate Jesus’ presentation in the temple. By his baptism by John, Jesus’ forever changes the nature of baptism. For John the Baptist, baptism was an outward expression of turning one’s heart to God. But with Jesus it was an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and a pronouncement that one is a child of God. As the Gospel tell us a voice came from heaven and said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Baptism for most of us happens shortly after our birth.
Our parents brought us to the waters of new life because of their conviction that Jesus is our Savior. In baptism we are washed clean of original sin. Not that an infant has sinned, but is born into a world filled with temptations, the graces of baptism assist one in resisting temptation. Yet most of us surrender to temptation at times. Despite our failure, in the Sacrament of Penance, we find God’s forgiveness and are strengthened in our efforts to resist temptation. Baptism awakens us to the fact that we are God’s son or daughter, and that each us is holy and precious in God’s sight. Baptism is an important event in the life of the community and for this reason, I like to celebrate baptism. Witnessing a baptism, is a reminder of our own baptism and the call to bring the Good News to all we meet. It is also reassuring to the parents that there is support in their duty as Christian Parents. Patricia Sanchez, a now deceased biblical scholar and spiritual writer, wrote, “Since, through baptism, each of us is initiated into the life of the one God, Father, Son and Spirit, doesn’t that make us brothers and sisters to one another? That relationship makes each of us responsible for the other. Am I my brother’s keeper? AmI my sister’s caretaker?
Yes! If another has need, is homeless or hungry, is sick or lonely and afraid, and I am aware but do nothing, then my baptismal vows are false; my faith is a sham. We who are signed with the cross and washed in the blood of Jesus, we who are seasoned with salt and fired with the light of grace, are charged to renew daily the baptismal promises that make us who we are. Through daily prayer, we are to follow Jesus’ example in integrating the faith we profess with our lips into our daily lives.”
What challenges you in living out your baptismal call?
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