The Baptism of the Lord (C) The moment of Jesus' Baptism changed his life. If he had not been Baptized, there may have never been Easter. The Father says to him, "Son I love you and I'm proud of you." Even Jesus needed to hear his Father say these words. How much more do our children need to hear their parents say these words.
Jesus had basically accomplished nothing at this point, and yet his Father was still proud of him. We are also God's beloved children and our heavenly Father is proud of us. Yes, we have failed and made mistakes. God's answer was not to give up on you, but instead to send his one perfect Son to sacrifice himself for you. Jesus gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
Are you eager to do what is good? Are you worth of being called a child of God? Our Father knows that we can never live up to his calling. He has an answer for that, too. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and allows us to become the perfect Gift. All we have to do is to cooperate with with the Holy Spirit and we, too, will hear the Father say, "Child, I love you, and I'm proud of you."
(9 Jan 2022)
Going Deeper: Do you know the date of your Baptism? Find out the date, write it on the calendar, and celebrate it every year.
The Holy Water font reminds us of our identity as God's beloved children when we enter the Church. It reminds us to live our identity out in the world. You should put up a little holy water font at the main door of your home. It will remind you of your true identity when you come home, and remind you to live your Baptism when you go out into the world.
Thank you Sue and to all of my Patrons.