+Dear Parishioners,
As we begin 2022, what are your wishes for this New Year? I imagine for most of us, near the top of the list may be an end to the COVID pandemic and a return to “normalcy.” On this beautiful feast of the Baptism of the Lord, may we also include on our list of resolutions ‘to deepen our relationship with our Savior, Jesus’.
Why did Jesus ask John to baptize Him in the River Jordan? Surely it was not due to any sin on His part…definitely not; then why? It was because Jesus took on the guilt of our sin so that we may be saved from the grips of the devil. Jesus came to restore the broken relationship that our first parents (Adam and Eve) caused when they turned their backs on their loving Father, and instead listened to the lies of the Evil One.
Which loving parent would not give up his/her own life to save the life of a child? God our Father so loved the world, and each one of us, that “He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16). At our own baptism, we were cleansed from original sin and from the power of the devil. We became children of God! We received God’s life in us – grace – and we participate in the life of the Trinity. Bishop Robert Barron explains that, “Many of the early Church Fathers understood that by allowing Himself to be baptized, Jesus sanctified the waters of Baptism for all Christians who would come after Him. He went into the waters so we could join Him, arising as new creations. He raised Baptism from the level of cleansing rite to sacrament.”
What an awesome gift that has been bestowed upon us. This is the reason why when we have babies baptized, it is a day of rejoicing. We celebrate that this infant has now joined God’s family, the Church. As a result, parents and godparents pray and guide the child throughout his/her journey of life and faith. Becoming a member of God’s family is certainly a cause for celebration. Be sure to thank God for this great gift as God the Father says to each of us as He said to Jesus, “This is My beloved son/daughter; with you I am well pleased!” May 2022 make us ever more pleasing to God ?
In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, I am,
Sister Mary