Baptism of the Lord

This feast ends the season of Christmas and begins winter Ordinary Time. John the Baptist plays a prominent role in introducing Jesus. He speaks about his role in fulfilling the prophesies, and his identity as the Christ. When John recognizes Jesus he proclaims him to be the 'Lamb of God.' It is important for us to hear that while John Baptizes with water, a symbolic bath, Jesus baptizes with water and the Holy Spirit. A sacramental commissioning by which we become disciples, and are sent out to proclaim 'Good News.'

I do not know whether we always recognize how important Baptism is for us as a people, and as a Church. Sometimes when I do Baptism it becomes apparent that the folks there are just going through the motions. Usually when I ask the congregants to renew their baptismal promises, the responses are few and barely audible. It is sort of amusing, there is usually a group that sits far from the family who seems to have been tricked into coming, and has not a clue as to what is happening.

Baptism is the foundational sacrament of our faith lives. Baptism unites us to the saving action of God through our sharing in the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In this sacrament we are removed from the effects of Sin and Death, and walk in the presence of God forever. Through Jesus Christ we have unity and communion with God. Sometimes parents will talk about Baptism "blessing" their child. Well, it is much deeper than that.

More so, Baptism calls us to a radical kind of faith. Our faith and religion are not simply fluffy nice things we take out once in awhile and on the holidays. We make choices against Sin and Evil and commit ourselves to doing good. Again there is a difference between living profoundly faithful lives, and simply being nice to each other

This is why we begin our life in the Church through Baptism. The ministry of the Church and Baptism go hand in hand. One does not make sense without the other. The Church teaches and demonstrates a right relationship with God. It is through the sacraments and scriptures that Jesus teaches us about righteousness, justice, and peace.

So next time you plunge your hand into the holy water to bless yourself, consider our baptism. Know that we need to buckle ourselves into the pews because doing Church can be a wild ride. God unites us with him - we are his beloved children.