“Baptism is bowing before the Father and letting him do his work.” ~ Max Lucado
Today, we close off the Christmas season as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan river. When Jesus was baptized, God’s voice was heard from above proclaiming Jesus as His Son and instructing the people to listen to Him.
Listening to God and letting Him work in our lives is what we are all supposed to do. Jesus acknowledged that and taught that as well by His words and His deeds. He was always instructing His people and encouraging them to embrace His Father’s will for them.
When we were baptized, we were baptized into the life and death of the Lord. Our baptism washed away the stain of original sin from our souls and prepared us to return home to God one day as long as we live as His faithful children while here on earth.
I like the way Lucado shares his thoughts on baptism. He stated that it is bowing before the Father and letting Him do His work. That is much more difficult than it seems. In order for us to do that, we have to rein in our pride, a pride that insists that things be done our way. Letting God work in and through our lives is a tough thing to do but it brings incredible results if we can allow God to do so.
Today completes the Christmas season and tomorrow begins Ordinary Time. It is appropriate today to reflect upon our own baptismal promises. They may have been made for us initially if we were baptized as babies; but, we have renewed them many times in our lives. Embrace your promises to reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises.
Furthermore, cling to the great mysteries of our faith. Hold firm to your belief in God the Father, creator of the universe, God the Son, our Savior and Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit, the one who sanctifies us and makes us holy day by day.
Finally, renew your belief in the Church instituted by Jesus Christ: one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic. With a holy pride, go out to all the world and tell the Good News that brings peace to all people.
FAITH ACTION: Pray the Creed slowly and reflectively so that you can remind yourself of the people we are all called to be.