Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 15, 2012

My Dear Parishioners,

It is Monday morning, January 9th, as I write this letter. Today in the Church, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Traditionally, this is celebrated on a Sunday, but this year because Christmas and Epiphany fell on a Sunday, it is celebrated on a Monday. As we look at the Baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist at the Jordan, we imagine the beautiful picture of God the Father speaking from the heavens stating “you are my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased,” and then the Spirit of the Dove descending upon Jesus.

Each year as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, it is good for us to reflect upon our own Baptismal Commitment, for truly the Lord says to us as well, “you are my beloved son/daughter with whom I am well pleased.” The symbol of Baptism is water. We need water for health, as water truly refreshes us and gives us new life. In the summer months, as we swim in a lake or an ocean, water again gives us new spirit. So it is with our Baptism-we are given new life in Jesus Christ. We die to self so Christ can live within us.

So, as we reflect on our own Baptism, may we continue to make a commitment to our growth in the Lord, showing that we believe in Him by how we act in our day-to-day lives. As we begin a New Year with perhaps some resolutions, may one resolution be to strengthen our Baptismal Promise to live the life as a beloved son or daughter of God our Father, for truly that is what He asks of us.

Fr. Leroy