GIFT OF BAPTISM AND DIVINE SONSHIP

Word of God: (Paul) said to them, “Did you receive the holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid [his] hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men. He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the kingdom of God. Acts 19:2-8

Reflection: The Holy Mystery of Baptism is the beginning of a new life, a rebirth in water and the Holy Spirit, a way of living, a lifestyle. The waters of Baptism wash away everything that leads to death, and save that, which endures forever, namely, divine sonship. The aim of Christian life is to be children of God, bearers of the Light of Christ in the world. O, Jesus Christ, we implore you grant every one of us during these Mission Days the gift of a new Pentecost, the renewal of the grace of our Baptism and Chrismation. Through your Holy Spirit, renew in us the gift of faith, the gifts and fruits of Your Spirit, so that we may become a new creation in Christ Jesus. 

Quote for the Day: At the time of our Baptism, we renounced the devil and all his powers, and by means of our holy faith, which we received as a gift from God, we were united with Jesus Christ and completely dedicated ourselves to Him. We need to continually remember this event and ask ourselves: “what does our Baptism mean for us?”, so that we not waste the great gift of our Baptism, but be able to live according to our baptismal promises. His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar 

The Meaning of Baptism: How do I currently lead my life? Do I realize and acknowledge that God loves me, and that I have become a child of God through the sacrament of Baptism? Do I actually strive to live as a child of God? Do I help others acknowledge God’s love? 

Prayer (before a lit candle): Take this lighted candle, and strive throughout your entire lifetime to shine brightly with the light of faith and of good deeds, so that, when the Lord will come, you may go forth in radiance to meet Him together with all the Saints, and may enter unhindered into the court of His heavenly glory and reign with Him throughout all the ages. Amen. From the Rite of Baptism 

Missionary Task: If possible, find out the date of your Baptism, and the name of the priest, who baptized you. Pray for your godparents, for the priest who baptized you, for your own godchildren, for those that are now preparing for Baptism, and for all those who still do not know Christ.