January 10, 2016

The Baptism of 

The Lord

The Gospel of Matthew

Chapter 3: 13-17, pg. 1256

The Catholic Study Bible, 2nd Ed

New American Bible

The Baptism  of Jesus ~ Jesus's public life begins with the baptism by John in the Jordan (228)

Then the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, comes upon Jesus and a voice from heaven proclaims, "This is my beloved Son."(231) This is the manifestation ("Epiphany") of Jesus as Messiah of Israel and Son of God.

     The baptism of Jesus is on His part the acceptance and Inauguration of His mission as God's

suffering Servant.  He is submitting Himself entirely to His Father's will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins.    (536)   

      Through baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. (537)

Catechism of the Catholic Church ( Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

Pg. 136, The Mystery of Jesus's public life.

     This Sunday, January 10th, 2016, was the baptism of the Lord. At mass, during the homily, Father spoke about Baptism and why Christ needed to  be baptized; since He was the Son of God? Father   then explained that Jesus was God-man. He was the Son of god; but, at the same time he was a man and became one us. Later, he reminded us of our own Baptism. When and where die we receive the Sacrament of Baptism: he encouraged us,  if we didn't remember?, to do some research; if we did not know.  Sadly, at the end of the homily, Father mentioned how many were baptized; but, later in life; they left the church and did not return.

Something to Ponder?

Do you know of anyone who has left the church, If so, did you ever think to ask them why:

I did do  some research and looked for my Baptismal certificate; I was baptized at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the Bronx, N.Y. I was born in 1942, however, the baptismal certificate says it was issued in 1948? Why, I don't know; but, I can ask the family; if they have an answer.

Perhaps, you might want to look for your certificate and share it with your children;  taking the opportunity to speak to them about their Baptism as well as the other sacraments that they will receive as well.

And please remember: 

No lo pierdos de vista/ DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF HIM 

ps~ I happened to notice a church sign today that said,  
                                                                                            It's cold outside,

                                                                                            the message is inside."

How true that is!