I hope that all of you continue to have a Merry Christmas. As a reminder the Christmas season comes to its conclusion this Sunday with the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I hope that we will continue to celebrate this days which lie ahead.
Baptism is the first sacrament that one receives. Without it we are not able to receive any of the other sacraments. In the words of Saint Josemaria Escriva: “In Baptism, our Father God has taken possession of our lives. He has made us sharers in Christ’s life and sent us the Holy Spirit.”
Despite this how well do we allow our life to be a reflection of Christ who has claimed us? There are some who may be fooled into remarking that their sin is exeptable if it is seen by no one or only by those who we do not know. This type of attitude only leads to scandal and leads us away from Christ who has claimed us in the waters of baptism.
As Josemaria Escriva reminded: “God has placed an indelible mark on your soul through Baptism: you are a child of God, Child, are you not aflame with the desire to bring all men to love of Him?”
Here we were reminded of the indelible mark which is placed upon us in baptism. This mark is one which can never be taken away. Even in our death this mark will remain throughout life everlasting. There are three sacraments which leave an indelible mark: baptism, confirmation, and holy orders. In each of these sacraments the oil called the Sacred Chrism is placed upon the receiver of the sacrament.
With that we have God’s grace at work within us through these life giving waters. So may think that their baptism was only important on the day that they received it, but this is not the case. Rather, everyday from that moment going forward is important and the graces of baptism are at work within the life of the receiver.
In Pope Paul VI’s encyclical letter, Ecclesiam Suam, On the Church, he states: “To be a Christian, to have received Baptism, should not be looked upon as something indifferent or of little importance. It should be imprinted deeply and joyously on the conscience of every baptised person.”
With this may we give thanks to God for our baptism. May we remember the graces that are at work through it as well as the other sacraments that we receive. When we undergo moments of temptation or doubt may we allow ourselves to be moved towards God’s grace that is constantly at work within our life. May we do all that we can to protect our baptismal garment that it may never be soiled with sin, but may always remain white as snow.
