Daily Retreat 01/08/06

2006 Jan 8 SUN: BAPTISM OF THE LORD F

Is 55: 1-11/Is 12:2-6/1 Jo 5:1-9/ Mk 1: 7-11

N.B. Epiphany is celebrated today (instead of January 6^th) in some countries, in which case the Baptism of the Lord is observed tomorrow.

From today’s readings: "Thus says the LORD: All you who are thirsty, come to the water.... With joy, you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.... This is the One who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood..... It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.."

His and our baptism

Since the life of Jesus is an example for us, our celebration of His baptism today is also intended to inspire us to appreciate anew the grace of our own baptism. Our own baptism is such a glorious bath of rebirth and renewal that should be celebrated annually (and even commemorated daily, in some form, such as by making the Sign of the Cross with holy water).

Many people, particularly those baptized as infants, since they lack specific memories of that event, aren’t very inspired to commemorate that day. However, even though each of us was born as an infant, although we have no recollection of that, we still celebrate our birthday every year. So, if we appreciate the ongoing effects of our baptism, that day should be noted even more so!

Take the time today to look up the date of your baptism, and write the anniversary on your calendar. Then, on the feast of your own baptism, turn to God with gratitude for generously adopting you as His own beloved child. And, so that you can be cleansed of all sin and be once again wholly pleasing to Him, go to confession that day (or week) so that your soul is once more cleansed of all sin.