With the Christmas season coming to an end, we bid farewell to the decorations in the church and we return to ordinary time. You will see a regular looking church next weekend. I want to again thank everyone who helped to make this Christmas so prayerful. The beauty of the decorations, the celebration of the Masses, the music and all the other pieces that go into the season went so well. Now we look forward to a brief interlude of Ordinary Time and then the season of Lent with all the liturgical traditions that it brings.
This week Christmas ends with the Baptism of the Lord by St. John the Baptist. This event inaugurated Christ’s public ministry and served as one proof for His divinity. Jesus did not need baptism. Later Jesus commands His Apostles, and therefore His Church: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” By His words and His example, we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism.
Every Sacrament originates from Christ, whether through his acts or words. The Church, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and by the authority given it by Christ, declares that there are seven Sacraments. Maybe you remember this definition: A Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification.
Baptism is the doorway into the spiritual life. Once baptized, a person can receive the other six Sacraments. Baptism restores sanctifying grace in our souls, which we no longer have due to Original Sin. Christ accomplished the forgiveness of Original Sin and the restoration of humanity through His death and resurrection. The effects of that event are transmitted to us today through Baptism. Baptism unites us with Christ crucified. It makes us adopted sons and daughters through the Son. Without sanctifying grace, a person cannot enter heaven.
Baptism not only forgives sin, but also divinizes us (it makes us like God). This divinization includes the reception of faith, hope, and charity. As the name implies, these theological virtues do not come naturally to us. They are gifts, not to be confused with merely natural faith, hope or love. Instead, these gifts enable us to act like God.
Finally, Christ did not establish a religion of “one” person. He founded a Church. Fortunately, we do not need to wait in line, pay a great fee, or have the right pedigree to become a member. Baptism incorporates us into the Church and all of the graces that come from it.
This week we remember the great gift of our own Baptism. If you know anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament you can be an encouraging voice for that person or parent.
One last note: as of writing this, the calendars have still not arrived. I apologize for the delay.