Dear Parishioners,
One of the things I often say at a Baptism is that the baptism signifies a new beginning for the infant being baptized. We Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit enters the heart of the infant who undergoes this beautiful Sacrament of initiation. In scripture, this is represented by the dove who appears when Jesus comes out of the water after his baptism by St. John the Baptist. As we contemplate scripture and think about our own baptisms, let us open up our lives to those new things that God has in store for us.
The past year has been very difficult, and the new will not be without struggle, but God is inviting us to a new awakening in the Spirit. How can your life be changed by God’s invitation? What areas are in need of repair, what parts of your life need renewal, where is God needed to fix some brokenness? We all have New Year’s resolutions, but this is a deeper, truer, and more profound change that we are being called to experience. I know that my life is not perfect and that I need God’s presence in order to live up to the holiness, reverence, and love that He calls me to. Can we trust the Holy Spirit to energize us to be more faithful followers of Christ? Can we let go of our control enough to give over to God the power of my being so that I may be a person in whom God’s Spirit resides? Where in my relationships is God’s peace and charity needed? How can my loving energy impact my family, work, community or church?
Baptism brings light to the world, renews the world, through the presence of the Holy Spirit. At this beginning of the new year, let us seek to spread this light of joy and peace.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
