SCRIPTURE: Matt. 28, 19: "'Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,...'"
John 3, 5: "Jesus answered, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.' "
MEDITATION: Christ was baptized in the Jordan. John had suggested that Jesus baptize him, but Jesus insisted, as only He could. Then it happened. The heavens opened. A voice was heard saying: " 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'" (Luke 3, 22) And the Holy Spirit hovered over Him.
As I think of the waters of the Jordan flowing over the Lord, I remember that water may have been the first element created by the Father and that it is the most necessary element in our lives. No wonder God used water so often in His dealings with the chosen people, as when He sent the Great Flood or parted the Red Sea so that they might have the freedom of the children of God; or when He provided water for them from a rock when they were in the desert; and when Jesus died on the cross, blood and water flowed from His side: and from His side flowed a fountain of sacramental life.
PRAYER: LET US PRAY. O, LORD JESUS, AS I THINK OF YOU AND OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, I MUST ALSO THINK OF MY OWN BAPTISM. GIVE ME THE GRACE TO BE TRULY COMMITTED TO YOU. STRENGTHEN ME SO THAT I MAY LIVE MY FAITH DAILY. HELP ME TO RESIST TEMPTATIONS. DON'T LET ME BE DECEIVED BY SATAN. MAY I, WITH COURAGE AND CONVICTION, BE THE PERSON YOU WANT ME TO BE.
HOME CELEBRATION: Parents could demonstrate how to baptize, using a doll. They could explain the use of holy oil (symbol of spiritual strength), the baptismal robe (state of grace), the Pascal candle (presence of Christ). This is a good time to renew baptismal promises and/or make a profession of faith.
Introduction
Sacrament of Confirmation
Sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Sacrament of Holy Orders
Sacrament of Marriage
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Blessing
