Baptism

Why Was Jesus Baptized?| National Catholic Register : Why Was Jesus Baptized? SCRIPTURES & ART: Jesus had nothing of which to repent. So, what is the sense of this feast? Here are two reasons.

  https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/why-jesus-was-baptized Why Jesus Was Baptized Monday’s Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marked the official end of the Christmas season. It’s also an annual occasion for many to ask, “Why was Jesus baptized?” After all, he is the sinless, divine Son of God, and the baptism that John the Baptist administered was “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). Christian baptism is of course greater than John’s baptism, even as Jesus himself is far greater than John (Matt. 3:14, John 3:30). Christian baptism not only forgives sins, but infuses the life of God into the soul, making us God’s children. And the origin of this sacrament is Jesus’ own baptism. Jesus had no need to be cleansed by the waters of baptism, for he had no sins to be washed away. Rather,  he  sanctified the waters by his descent into them. Pope Benedict XVI (writing as Joseph Ratzinger), in his   Jesus of Nazareth , offers some illuminating insights

 https://www.simplycatholic.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-jesus-baptism/#:~:text=Narrated%20in%20each%20of%20the,proclamation%20of%20mercy%20and%20forgiveness.

 What should I say in my baptism testimony? A testimony can include three basic points: Life before knowing Christ • How you came to know Christ (be specific) • Life after you received Christ (changes He has made – what He has done for you.) When giving a brief testimony, DO: Pray that God will give you wisdom and clarity of thought. When we were baptized, we entered into a covenant with God. We promised to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. Heavenly Father promised us a remission of sins and, through the ordinance of confirmation, the gift of the  Holy Spirit. "Holy Ghost." The five realities for the Christian that are celebrated in Baptism are (1) being welcomed into the community of Jesus, the church; (2) beginning  a lifelong conversion, turning away from sin to embrace the Christian way of life; (3) being reborn to a new identity as a son or daughter of God;  (4)sharing in the mission of Jes

Love Your Enemies: Prefer Mercy Over Justice  In the timeless story Les Miserables, Jean Valjean has just been released from prison, where he has served time for stealing bread. He has no money, and he spends his first night out of prison in the home of a village priest who takes him in. In the night, Jean Valjean flees the priest’s home after having assaulted the priest and stealing most of his valuable silverware. But he is captured and the police bring him back to the priest so that he can be formally accused. For Jean Valjean, this means his last hope is gone. He will now be imprisoned for the rest of his miserable life. The priest comes to him and looks him in the eyes, and says, “My brother, why did you leave so quickly last night? You took only the silver. But I gave you these as well.”  And he places in his hands several more golden candlesticks. The priest had the right to ask for justice.  But he saw something worth saving in this thief, and gave mercy instead. That moment ch

 Jean Valjean and the Grace of Baptism Jean Valjean (played by Hugh Jackman) receiving the silver candlesticks from the Bishop of Digne (top); then, after his conversion, with his adopted daughter, Cosette.   (Baptism of the Lord (C): This homily was given on January 13, 2013 at St. Pius X Church, Westerly, R.I. by Fr. Raymond Suriani.  Read Titus 2: 11-14; 3: 4-7; Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22.)   [For the audio version of this homily, click here: Baptism of the Lord 2013] “I am reaching, but I fall, and the night is closing in, as I stare into the void, to the whirlpool of my sin.” As many of us know, those are the words of Jean Valjean in the musical (and now the movie), Les Miserables—both of which are based on the  Victor Hugo novel of the same name. Valjean says these words after the Bishop of Digne has extended to him the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ—mercy and forgiveness that Valjean definitely did NOT deserve! Most of you know the story, but for the benefit of the few who don’

What Happens at Baptism? An Overview of the Sacrament  Jim and Maria stand at the baptismal font holding their baby daughter, Elizabeth, between them. They are surrounded by family, friends, and Elizabeth’s godparents. The deacon asks, “What do you ask of the Church for this child?” It’s a meaningful question. “Baptism,” the couple replies, giving an even more meaningful answer. Baptism is not a small thing. Using such potent symbols as water, oil, and fire, Baptism is a powerful sacrament that washes away original sin and its effects. It gives us a new identity, connects us to a new community of believers, initiates us into a new way of living, and provides a clear mission in life. Baptism has meaning on many levels. Historical Within weeks of Jesus’ Resurrection, the apostles were preaching the Gospel to people by the thousands, baptizing them in Jesus’ name. Since then, Baptism has been the ordinary means of becoming a member of the Church. Think of the long line of people before yo

 Congo Cannibals Won  Masaba was employed twenty-five years  ago by Congo officials to commandeer rubber  gatherers, men or women. He had authority,  and when men would not go with him to  work, he would shoot them down, cut them  up, put them in a pot, add palm oil, cook  them, and eat them. He ate his hundred!  All the natives knew him. He was also the  executioner for his chief, hacking off men's  heads, and was known as the most cruel  monster in all that Congo country.  In December, 1927, he came to the Deti  Hill station, directed by the Heart of Africa  Mission, and inquired for Ma Risasi (Miss  Mary Rees, whose African name means Miss  Bullets, because she shoots the Gospel so  fast). She treks down among the villages  around Deti, alone, wades the streams,  tackles big black men about their sins,  preaches about hell and Heaven and God's  requirement of righteousness. " Ma Risasi,"  said this merciless black, " tell me the story  you're telling in th

 From the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Colossians https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day.html 09-12-23 Col 2:6-15 Brothers and sisters: As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ. For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily, and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by hand, by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ. You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of

WYD Lisbon 2023 (day 2): Pope explains to hundreds of thousands of young people what it means "to be called by name" - ZENIT - English : Pope's homily to young people at the World Youth Day reception ceremony.

Gospel and Thought for the Day - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day.html First reading from the Second Book of Kings 2Kings 4,8-11.14-16 One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine. So she said to her husband, "I know that Elisha is a holy man of God. Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there." Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight. Later Elisha asked, "Can something be done for her?" His servant Gehazi answered, "Yes! She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years." Elisha said, "Call her." When the woman had been called and stood at the door, Elisha promised, "This time next year you will be fondling a baby son." Second read

The Catholic Guide to "Star Wars": The Hidden Spiritual Message of Good vs. Evil - : At its core, "Star Wars" is a story about destiny. It’s also a story about the triumph of good over evil and a story of hope.

  Pope to Spiritian Fathers: God creates something new in us when we allow Him - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-05/pope-francis-address-congregation-of-the-holy-spirit.html

  We all are Born into the world To be or not to be baptized as an infant determined by parent or guardian. The world is a dangerous place Many distractions as we make our journey in the world Why Baptism? Why is Baptism necessary? What are the effects of Baptism? What does Baptism symbolize? Raphael_Baptism_Constantine-Raphael (1517-24) The Baptism of Constantin (Public Domain) St Michael's Catholic Church: Baptism https://youtu.be/pD7kE8qUz5A via @YouTube Baptism is precisely what qualifies us and also spurs us to be missionaries, to proclaim the Gospel. Baptism is precisely what qualifies us ... Image= John William Vondra

  WORDS OF THE HOLY FATHER “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15). The task which Jesus entrusts to a small group of common men lacking great intellectual capacity seems truly too bold! (…) But this plan of God can be accomplished only with the strength that God himself grants to the Apostles. In this sense, Jesus assures them that their mission will be supported by the Holy Spirit. (…) This is how this mission was able to be accomplished, and the Apostles began this work which was then continued by their successors. The mission that Jesus entrusted to the Apostles has continued through the centuries, and continues still today: it requires the cooperation of all of us. Each one, in fact, by the power of the Baptism that he or she received, is qualified in turn to proclaim the Gospel. Baptism is precisely what qualifies us and also spurs us to be missionaries, to proclaim the Gospel. (Regina Caeli, 13 May 2018) https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-o

  https://www.shalomworld.org/news/catholic-church-in-france-to-witness-5463-adult-baptisms-during-this-years-easter-vigil

  "In the desert of this world, we can be tempted to reject the glorious inheritance of our baptism, when we were made sons and daughters of God". Abp. José H. Gomez  March 18, 2023 @ArchbishopGomez

  Pope at Audience: Every baptised person is part of Church's mission - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-03/pope-francis-general-audience-catechesis-8-march1.html

Pope Francis Explains Why Jesus Was Baptized and What Justice Has to Do with It? - ZENIT - English : The Holy Father’s address during the Angelus on Sunday, January 8, 2023. The Holy Father’s address during the Angelus on Sunday, January 8, 2023. JANUARY 09, 2023 15:16 ZENIT STAFF ANGELUS ,  POPE FRANCIS WhatsApp Messenger Facebook Twitter Share Share this Entry (ZENIT News / Vatican City, 08.01.2023).- According to the Vatican’s Gendarmerie, some 30,000 people gathered in Saint Peter’s Square to hear the Pope’s reflection and recite with him the Marian prayer of the  Angelus. Here is the Pontiff’s address. * * * Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and the Gospel presents us with an astonishing scene: it is the first time that Jesus appears in public after His hidden birth in Nazareth; He arrives on the bank of the River Jordan to be baptized by John ( Matthew  3:13-17). It is a rite by which the people repented and committed to converting; a liturgical hymn says t