Dear Parishioners:
Today we bring to a close the official season of Christmas. On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, it behooves us to look at our own Baptism.
Most of us do not remember our baptism. We were probably only a few days or weeks old. We came, at least many of us, kicking and screaming into the Church. We didn't choose to be there and we certainly did not like having cold water poured over our heads and often in our faces. Some might have pictures of the blessed event. If so, they probably haven't been looked at for a while.
If you're my age, your god parents are probably dead. Sadly, many never hear from their god parents or sponsors. The candle given in baptism may well be lost. For many, baptism is an event of the past. "I got it when I was little." "It happened to me long time ago." Therein lies the problem.
Baptism is not so much something that happened to me, baptism is something that I become. We become the baptized. We become the children of God our Father. We become His people, the people He has set apart to proclaim the works of Love (cf. 1Pt. 2:9-10)
Baptism is a way of life. It is entry into the life of God on a daily basis. It carries the responsibility of living God's plan for our lives. We are the hands, heart, eyes, feet, and love of Jesus here on earth. By our baptism we are to be the very Love of Jesus which will effect the changes necessary to make this world more the kingdom God wants it to be.
You say, the times are troublesome, the times are burdensome, the times are miserable. Live rightly and you will change the times. The times have never hurt anyone. Those who are hurt are human beings; those by whom they are hurt are also human beings. So change human beings and the times will be changed (Augustine, Sermon 311,8).
Yes, we must be the ones who help to change the hearts of others. Our baptism gave us the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. We have the tools necessary to accomplish wonderful works for God. It is our Godly right to work for justice and peace. Rights also carry responsibilities to put that right into practice. We are part of God's family and we must help make the tranquillity of order
If God cannot count on us to make His message known, on whom will He? We are the ones. Our life in the Spirit can give us the freedom to conquer fear, anxiety, cowardliness, etc. This life gives courage, enthusiasm, peace, joy, gentleness, goodness, trustfulness, self-control, patience (Gal. 5:22-23). Let us believe what God teaches about our baptism.
God bless,
Fr. Bill
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