A Word on Evangelization

Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 12, 2024

Deacon Mike Meyer

A Word on Evangelization

Today we celebrate the baptism of the Jesus which marks the end of the liturgical season of Christmas.  The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our identity and mission.  First, it reminds us of who we are and Whose we are.  By Baptism we become the adoptive sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus, members of his Church, heirs of Heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit. We become incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made sharers in the priesthood of Christ [CCC #1279].  Hence, "Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213).  We dip the fingers of our right hand into the holy water font and bless ourselves each time we enter and exit a church.  Why?  This blessing is supposed to remind us of our Baptism.  And so, when we bless ourselves with Holy Water, we should be thinking of the fact that we are children of God; that we have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that we have been made a members of God’s family; and that we have been washed, forgiven, cleansed and purified by the Blood of the Lamb.