Homily, Pentecost, "Come Holy Spirit, Come", Cycle C, May 15, 2016

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost which known as the birth of the Church.  Why would this day be called the birthday of the Church?   Because it’s the day when the Holy Spirit was sent spread the good news of Jesus as the Christ to the many nations gathered in Jerusalem.  In the first reading from Acts we hear about many Jews who had came to Jerusalem celebrate Pentecost.  Pentecost was a Jewish feast 50 days after Passover to commemorate when Moses received the Law from God at Mt. Sinai.   This feast had been going on for over 3000 years.  We heard that, Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and many others were gathered in Jerusalem at the time.   Even though they were all Jews thy all didn’t speak the same language.  

The disciples were all in Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed them.   Jesus told them just before he ascended they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit came in dramatic fashion, making a loud like driving wind and appearing as tongues of fire above them.  The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the gift to speak to the Jews in their own languages so they could understand the good news of Jesus as the Christ.  This brought about the unity of Jews of many nations to belief in Jesus.   This was like a reversal of the events that had occurred at Babel thousand of year before.  Babel was the place where God had confused the languages of the people due prideful ways and caused disunity.  At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came to the restore unity of the separated people through the belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.   They now shared a common foundation of Life giving Truth. When the Jews returned from Jerusalem to share the good news of Jesus this started the growth of the Church to the Jews of many nationalities.

Today the Church continues to grow and is present throughout the entire world through the power of the Holy Spirit.   The Church does this by reminding and teaching us through the sacraments of the Church. We are reminded of Jesus sacrifice every Sunday through the memorial of the Mass.  At Mass we are learn about Jesus through the Scripture and homily.  We affirm our beliefs in the Church by reciting the Creed. The Eucharist spiritually nourishes us to grow in union with Christ.  The Church empowers us, the Body of Christ, to be witnesses to others by our actions and words.   This helps us to grow the Church by attracting others by our way of life, loving God and our neighbor. 

During this Easter Season we’ve witnessed how the sacraments grow the Church. At the Easter Vigil we added 20 new members to our parish through the grace of Holy Spirit in baptism and confirmation. There were over thousand people who came into the Church in Central and Southern Indiana this Easter.   We’ve also had many youth who were confirmed at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral just this last month.  Our youth were empowered with the fullness of the Holy Spirit to spread the growth of the Church through each of the their unique individual gifts.

How is the Holy Spirit at work in us today to help grow the Church?    We live in America and most of us don’t have the opportunity to encounter many people who don’t speak our language. We may all speak English, but there are many people we encounter who don’t know the Christian way of life or believe in Jesus.  Think about people and experiences you encounter every day.   It may be co-worker that is always negative and complaining.   Or possibly some kids at school that excludes others at the lunch table or at recess.   Maybe you have a supervisor that is always treats people unfairly.  Do you see people ignoring the homeless person sitting on the corner on the way to your office every day?  Are there friends or loved ones in your life that don’t go to church anymore?

These are all opportunities to call on the Holy Spirit to act or speak in the right way to build up the body of Christ.  The Holy Spirit might compel you to say something or do something to reach out to a person in need or to share your faith.   It may even tell you to wait and pray for them.  The important thing is to remember to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. There is a favorite prayer I like to prayer in situations like these to call on the Holy Spirit for help.   It’s very short: Come Holy Spirit, Come.   This prayer to the Holy Spirit will help you to use the gifts you received at baptism and confirmation.   I pray this quite often when I’m at a loss of what to say or do. Each time I preach or proclaim the Gospel I try to always pray for the help of the Holy Spirit. There’s been many times I’ve preached with a certain message in mind and someone will tell me how the homily spoke to them in a totally different way than I intended.  I’m amazed the way the Holy Spirit works and give praise to the Holy Spirit for providing the help.  

Jesus told his disciples: If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.  So please remember to call on the Holy Spirit who is there always to empower and help us 

Diving Mercy: Jesus, I trust in You - Deacon Ron's Homily for Divine Mercy Sunday, April 3, 2016

Today concludes the Octave of Easter and is known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Easter is an eight-day Feast.  One day is just not enough to celebrate the joy of the Risen Lord.  Last week on Easter Sunday, we heard about the empty tomb. Today we hear about Jesus appearing to the disciples after his resurrection.

In the first encounter the disciples were together on the first day of the week in a locked room, for “fear of the Jews”.  They all knew Jesus suffered a brutal death and feared that they may suffer the same fate.  When Jesus appears to them it must have been frightening. Put your self in the place of the disciples.  Imagine if one of your friends has just died and you were at your home mourning their loss with a group of friends. It’s late at night, the doors are locked, and the security alarm is set.  All of the sudden your friend appears in your room live in the flesh.  Wouldn’t you be frightened?

Jesus must have sensed the disciples fear and so he greets them with, “Peace be with you”.  THEY REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR THIS. Jesus shows them his hands and feet and feet so they’ll believe it’s him. Jesus then offers his peace a second time. He does something truly amazing: He breathes the Holy Spirit on the disciples and gives them the power to forgive sins.  Jesus then sends his disciples on a mission to extend his mercy. In this action Jesus institutes the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Today we have the great gifts of encountering Jesus through the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist.  But like Thomas there are some who don’t yet believe that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist and that he can forgive all of our sins.  The second Sunday of Easter was declared Divine Mercy Sunday to help spread the message of how we can be reconciled to Jesus by the grace of sacraments. 

Saint John Paul II declared on April 30 of 2000 that the second Sunday of Easter to be known as Divine Mercy Sunday at the canonization ceremony of St. Faustina Kawalksa.  St. Faustina was a humble Polish nun who lived during the early part of the 20^th century. There were many evils at that time due to the rise of Nazism and Communism.  Jesus chose this humble Polish nun to His receive private revelations from him concerning Divine Mercy to help combat these evils. The Church approves this revelation and there’s nothing in this revelation beyond what scripture tells us in the Divine Mercy revelation. It helps us to emphasize the Gospel message that God is infinitely merciful and that we are called to offer mercy to others. It also helps to emphasize the special graces we receive through the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharist.

            In the private revelations to St. Faustina, Jesus requested that on the second Sunday of Easter that the Feast of Mercy was to be observed.    On this Feast those who go

to confession and receive the Eucharist will receive the same graces they their Baptism. The Lord Jesus also revealed the image of Divine Mercy to St. Faustina and instructed her to have it painted. In the image Jesus has his right hand raised in a blessing and his left touching his garment above his heart. Red and white rays emanate from his heart, symbolizing the blood and water that was poured out for our salvation.  The words, “Jesus, I trust in You”, is inscribed under his image.  Jesus asked for this image be venerated around the world and said:

“I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish” (Diary, no. 48). 

The Divine Mercy Image is normally found in the chapel, but today we have it displayed in the Narthex.  We also have Holy Cards available for you to take as you exit the center doors of the Narthex. It has the image of Divine Mercy on the front and instructions on the back on how to pray Divine Mercy chaplet using the Rosary.

If you participate in a Divine Mercy service today and perform prescribed actions the Church provides the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.  An indulgence is obtained through the Church that provides the remission of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven which can be applied to your self or to those who have died.  If your interested in attending a Divine Mercy service our Connected in the Spirit sister parish,  Our Lady of the Greenwood, is having a celebration at 2 pm.  If you’d like to learn more about Divine Mercy we are currently having an Adult Faith Formation series on Wednesday evenings or go to divinemercy.org

The Feast of Divine Mercy reminds us of the infinite mercy of God, and our call to be merciful to others.  A good way to help us practice mercy is to look at the Divine Mercy image daily.  The image shows the blessing and mercy Jesus extends to us.  We can also think of the image as a mirror.  We can look into it and read the words, Jesus I trust in you, and ask ourselves: Are we being the Divine Mercy image we see to others in our lives?  Do we trust in Jesus, bringing others to trust in His Mercy?

Remember me when you come into your Kingdom, Palm Sunday, Cycle C, 3/20/2016

As we enter into Holy Week Luke’s Passion of the Lord provides us with the model of Christian discipleship:  being a humble servant, obedience to God’s will, and extending mercy and forgiveness.    There’s quite a bit to absorb in the Passion story and it would be good idea to read this on your own and reflect on it throughout Holy Week.   As I reflected on the Passion, Jesus’ acts of mercy really stood out to me.  Jesus was ministering to others, as he was being persecuted and crucified.  I suspect that the Jubilee Year of Mercy really helped me to focus on this aspect of Jesus’ Passion.

There are three acts of mercy that I’d like to point out.  Jesus healed the servant’s ear that was cut by Peter’s sword.  Jesus also forgave his executioners stating, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.   He was extending mercy to those who were persecuting him.

 The repentant criminal asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus responded, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise”.   In this final act of   Jesus extended his mercy to a man who admitted he was justly condemned.  What a beautiful example of why Jesus obediently followed the Father’s will in dying for us.   He did it to take on our sins and extend mercy on us so we can be reconciled with the Father.  Jesus didn’t come to condemn and judge us. He came to extend his mercy and welcome us into Paradise. We just need to ask to receive his mercy.

As we enter into Holy Week let’s act in ways to be instruments of God’s mercy.  There are many people who stay away from the Church because they feel like they’re being judged. If you know someone who’s been away from the Church invite them back to receive the sacrament of reconciliation or to attend Holy week services.  Holy Thursday’s foot washing is a beautiful witness of Jesus humble service extending his love and mercy.  Also pray for those who’ve felt judged or we may have judged ourselves.   Let’s ask for the grace to be merciful to others as we continue on to receive the Eucharist.

Jubilee Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, May 23-31

Deacon Ron and Linda Pirau invite you to join them on a 9-day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome in celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, May 23 – 31, 2016.   This pilgrimage will coincide with the Jubilee for Deacons from May 27 to 29, 2016.   An invitation has been extended to deacons and their families by the Most Reverend Rino Fischella, President of the Pontifical Council on the Promotion of the New Evangelization, on behalf of Pope Francis to participate in the convocation of deacons. Parish members are welcome to attend and there will be activities planned for them during the convocation for deacons. This will be a wonderful opportunity for deacons, family members, friends and parish family to travel together for a memorable spiritual journey.

Father Jeff Godecker will be joining us on the pilgrimage and will celebrate Mass at the sacred sites we will visit on the pilgrimage.  Fr. Jeff is a retired priest from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and offers retreats throughout the year at Fatima Retreat House.  He also provides spiritual formation for current the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Deacon formation class.  Fr. Jeff's bio is available by clicking here.

  Our all-inclusive pilgrimage will include domestic and international air from Indianapolis, first-class hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, entrance fees, gratuities, taxes and deluxe motor-coaches with professional guides throughout. We’ll enjoy two nights in Assisi with guided touring and five nights in Rome where we’ll Celebrate Mass with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square with deacons from around the world. Sightseeing includes: the Vatican Museum, St Peter’s Basilica, the Jubilee Door, the Seven Pilgrimage Churches of St. Lawrence, the Coliseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. An Amalfi Coast post tour extension is available.

Complete details along with pricing of the tour are on EO Tours web site Jubilee Year of Mercy Pilgrimage with Deacon Ron Pirau or you may view itinerary and pricing below. To register for the pilgrimage please use tour host ID 56527 on the online registration form. For more information and a brochure, contact Deacon Ron by filling out contact just below the "Merciful Iike the Father" image to the upper right. A video presentation on the pilgrimage can be viewed by clicking on the image below:

Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome

Itinerary

Monday, May 23, 2016:   Day 1 - Depart USA   Our Italian adventure begins as you depart the USA on your international flight.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016:   Day 2 - Rome, Orvieto, Assisi  On arrival at Rome airport you will be met and transferred north by coach through the stunning countryside.  Celebrate Mass at the Cathedral here. Check into your Assisi Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016:   Day 3 – Assisi 
Today we’ll visit the Church and Convent of St. Damiano where in 1205 Saint Francis received his calling to "Rebuild My Church".  We’ll celebrate Mass at one of these sanctuaries of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.  Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

Thursday, May 26, 2016:   Day 4  – Assisi   
This morning we’ll walk to the Papal Basilica of St Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan Order and burial place of St Francis. Celebrate Mass here.  Continue on your guided pilgrimage of the town’s highlights featuring the Basilica of St. Clare. This afternoon, make your way to Rome for dinner and overnight.

Friday, May 27, 2016:   Day 5– Jubilee of Mercy Conference   
Today in Rome, we’ll visit to the Forum and the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

Conference Attendees - 5 PM - Deacons and wives will be organized by language (English, Italian and Spanish) for a series of presentations at the seven churches of St. Lawrence.  A keynote address will be presented on the subject, “Deacon – Icon of Mercy of the New Evangelization.” Three additional presentations will discuss application of the Deacon as the Icon of Mercy “- In the Family,” "- In the Parish,” and “- In the Workplace.”

Saturday, May 28, 2016: Day 6 – Jubilee of Mercy Conference  
Enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican’s Museums and Sistine Chapel.  Celebrate Mass and tour St. Peter’s Basilica.  At 6:00 pm, pilgrims will walk through theHoly Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica to hear official catechesis on the subject: “The Deacon: Called to the Service of Charity in the life of the Community.”

Conference Attendees Option- Starting at 8:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm, there will be opportunities for Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation and tours of the seven churches of St Lawrence as personal pilgrimages.

Sunday, May 29, 2016 Day 7 - Jubilee of Mercy Conference
At 10:00 am. Holy Mass will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square with Pope Francis. All are welcome. Deacons will be seated to the front.

Afternoon  visit to the Arch-Basilica of Saint John Lateran.  Next door is theHoly Staircase (Scala Santa.  Next is the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls (San Lorenzo) and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Maria Maggiore).

Monday, May 30, 2016: Day 8 (M) – Rome 
Visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and Saint Paul’s grave.  San Sebastian Outside the Walls is another of the seven Pilgrimage churches, built over the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. Pray at the  Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love.  Celebrate Mass in one of the churches.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016: Day 9 – Return to USA   Return home with memories of the people and places of our faith, or continue on with the Amalfi Coast Extension (See attached full itinerary with extension.

All inclusive price of $3,698.00 including air. Land only package is $2,398.00 all inclusive)
 
International Air from New York* (Add $348 from Indianapolis.  Many other cities avaiable)
First Class Hotels in Rome and Assisi
Breakfast and Dinner Daily 
Licensed professional local guides.
Guided Touring
Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
Entrance. Program fees and Gratuities
Overseas Transfers
Fuel Surcharges and Government Taxes 

Homily, Lent Week 2, Cycle C - Go up to the Mountain and pray: Taking time to listen to Jesus

While carrying out my Lenten discipline of prayer I’ve found that God has a sense of humor.    This Lent I’ve felt a need to spend some time in quiet prayer listening to God. I’m obligated to pray daily the liturgy of the hours, morning and evening prayer.  I’m pretty good at doing this on a daily basis but I fell out of the habit quiet prayer to listen to the Lord. I used to schedule weekly an hour of prayer in Eucharistic adoration.  So this week I planned to go to a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel on the North side of Indianapolis after a morning meeting. I was really looking forward to going to this chapel, as it was isolated and away from distractions.  After 5 minutes of quiet prayer some loud banging and clanking noise came from just outside the hall. This continued on for about 10 minutes and I was getting a bit annoyed.   It was very distracting to listen to God, but I was determined to stay.  Finally the noise stopped and it was quiet…for about 30 seconds.  Then a loud vacuum started up and I was getting distracted again.  An inspiration came to me from Peter in today’s Gospel, “Master, it’s good that we are here.”  So instead of being distracted I was content to be in the Lord’s presence.   Amazingly after making this peace with the noise stopped, and it was finally quiet again.  Praise the Lord!  This lasted for about another 30 seconds and until a very loud drill started up.  I think this was God’s humorous way of telling me that things always don’t go as planned.  

At the start of today’s Gospel Jesus goes up to the mountain with Peter, James, and John to do something very important: to pray.   Jesus takes time to pray quite often so he can be in relationship with the Father.  If you listen to many of the Gospel stories you’ll find that Jesus takes time to pray before and after ministering to those who are in need.  It’s essential for his ministry.  So while Jesus is in prayer, what are Peter, James, and John doing? They were overcome with sleep possibly missing the transfigured Jesus because they were too tired to pay attention. 

Our busy and hectic lives can make us tired and leave little time for prayer. We’re on fast-paced schedules from the time the alarm goes off in the morning till we get home at night.  If we get a break we’re using social media to catch up on family or friends.   After we get home we’re taking kids to practice, preparing dinner, and make sure that homework is done.  After the kids are in bed it’s finally quiet time to get things done for our self to get ready for the next day. After all that’s done maybe there’s some time pray, but exhaustion sets in. So you decide to pray a rosary and after 2 Hail Mary’s your sound asleep.  Does this sound familiar? 

Peter, James and John did finally wake up in time to see Jesus transfigured as well as Moses and Elijah.   Peter didn’t know quite what to make of it, and told Jesus, “Master, it’s good to be here. We should build three tents.” Peter may have thought Jesus was one of the prophets, but the Father reveals that “This is my Chosen Son, Listen to him.” This revelation of Jesus’ special relationship to the Father provided them insight into who Jesus was to give them strength to endure the trials accompanying Jesus in his ministry.  This revelation would soon be made known to many of Christ’s saving ministry as he journeyed to Calvary.

Would you like the Father to reveal Jesus to you?  How can we do this?  By following what God invited Peter, James, and John to do: Listen to him.   What’s a good way to do this? By following Jesus example of frequent prayer!  All of us are off to a great start for our week because the Mass is the greatest prayer of all. Jesus is present to us in His Word and the Eucharist.  Do you desire for the Mass to be a richer and deeper experience and to grow in your relationship with Jesus? If so consider scheduling time each day to listen to Jesus by reading the upcoming Sunday’s Scripture.  There are four readings for each Sunday that are listed each week in the bulletin or easily found online. If you spend just 5 minutes each day reading and reflecting on one of the Scripture passage you will be listening to Jesus daily.   Knock out these four and you’ll have a few more days listen to Jesus in prayer.

I shared my prayer experience earlier to let you know that prayer doesn’t have to be perfect.  You’re going to get distracted.  Your mind is will wonder.  You’ll get interrupted.  That’s all ok.   The important thing is spending time to listen to Jesus. There’s also going to be times that you may hear him. But most often it will be in encounters with people in your every day experiences that God is working through.  It could be through the kindness that another person extends to you or you being present to someone who’s struggling.  By taking time in prayer you’ll be more awake to the presence of God in your experiences throughout the day.

I’ve suggested scheduling time to be in prayer.  If you really want to listen to Jesus, make an appointment calendar to be with Him.   Most of us schedule appointments for important matters in our lives.  Why not do the same for prayer?  A friend of mine shared a saying with me about finding time to pray by Fr. Hilary Ottensmeyer, a Benectine Monk.   Until you’re convinced that prayer is the best use of your time, you will not find the time for prayer.   Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta also said, “There is nothing more important than prayer.” I hope you’ll find that time in prayer is worth it.  I invite each of you this week to schedule some time to listen to Jesus in prayer and hope it grows into a regular habit. Let us now proceed to be strengthened by Jesus in the Eucharist so we can be prepared to listen to him. 

Look to Jesus with Love, Reflection on 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time, Ordinary Time, Cycle C, 1/25/16

Fr. Steve preached this week about “the look”.  Speaking from experience as a teacher he talked about being able to control a classroom just by giving a certain look to students.  The students knew when he gave them “the look” that it had a specific meaning such as, “quit messing around and get back to work”.  He related this to “the look” that the people in the

synagogue gave Jesus after he read theScripture to them and told: “In your hearing this Scripture passage has been fulfilled.”  Their look to Jesus was one of unbelief, anger, and disdain. How could Jesus claim what he did?  He was from their hometown of Nazareth.  He was Joseph’s son. They knew him and he had no right to proclaim what he did.    They weren’t open to listening to Jesus message.

Fr. Steve challenged us to be open to Jesus message when he speaks to us.   We may be like the people in the synagogue and want to shut Jesus out and take offense at what he has to say to us.  How does Jesus speak to us? Sometimes it’s in quiet prayer.  Other times it may be through words and actions of family and friends.   It can also be through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  Regardless how Jesus speaks to us, we need to be open to listening with love and not shut him out.    The people in the synagogue were too closed mind to give Jesus a chance.  When Jesus speaks to us its always going to be with love.  Sometimes it’s not going to be what we want to hear, but if we approach Jesus with love rather than being offended, we’ll be much more open to following his call for us with love.  So look at Jesus with love this week and be open to listening where he is calling you.

Deacon Ron's Homily, Baptism of the Lord, Cycle C, January 10, 2016

Good Morning. Today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a glorious transition from the Christmas Season to Ordinary time.   Last week we celebrated the Epiphany where the magi from the east sought out the newborn king guided by a star.   They found the king bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and were overjoyed at his finding. These kings were Gentiles, a sign indicating that Jesus came for everyone, not just the Jews.  This week we have another epiphany in the gift that God gives us to be adopted sons and daughters ushered in through the Baptism of the Lord. 

In today’s Gospel Jesus in baptized in the Jordon River by John.   Why would Jesus need to be baptized?  He was without sin so what would be the purpose of his baptism?  John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance.  The Jews who came to John were sinners called to reform their lives.  The people thought John was the Christ, and were drawn to prepare for the Messiah’s coming.   John admitted he was not the Christ, saying he was “not even worthy to loosen the thongs his sandals” which was a task only the lowliest of servants would do.   Jesus was the Messiah, but he came as a humble servant.    He did not need to be baptized, but he chose to in order to be in solidarity with the people who were struggling with their own sinful nature.  Jesus also allowed John to be baptized him in order to sanctify the water to be a life-giving source to baptize all the people who chose to follow him. 

Jesus’ baptism by John was the beginning of his public ministry. This was a major spiritual

event ushering in the mission that Jesus came to fulfill.   After Jesus’ baptism the heavens are opened and the Holy Spirit visibly descends upon him like a dove.  The Father’s voice is heard from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Here the Father expresses his pleasure for Jesus fulfilling his purpose to be in solidarity with the people. The Holy Spirit came down at that moment as a sort of authorization to send Jesus on the mission he was called to.

These scene echoes what we heard from the prophet from Isaiah: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit.  Jesus came to be a light to the nations, opening the eyes of the blind and freeing the prisoners from the bondage of sin.  He came to free them from sin, by showing them how to live as a humble servant and taking on their sin in his sacrifice on the cross.   

This baptism in the Jordon River by John was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and was a sign of a different kind of baptism he would undergo.  Jesus would live among the people for the next three years teaching them to love God and neighbor, performing miracles, and healings those who were ill. John spoke of a baptism that Jesus would perform with the Holy Spirit and fire.  This was a prelude to the baptism through the fire of his love by his death on the cross.  This would be the death to sin by Jesus’ solidarity with us by taking on our sins in offering to the Father, and restoring our hope to eternal life through His resurrection.

What does Jesus’ baptism mean to us?  It provides the doorway for us to become God’s children through the sacrament of baptism. In our own baptism we go down in the waters of death that drowns our sins. Our Baptismal font is a perfect symbol of this.  During the Easter vigil our catechumens walk down the steps into the water.  This symbolizes dying to sin.  The priest then pours the water over the catechumen’s head saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”.    They then climb up the steps out of the water and are raised to new life in Christ as adopted sons and daughters of the Father receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus accompanies us as we rise out of the waters and become God’s beloved of whom He is well pleased. We become co-heirs to the hope of eternal life through Jesus sacrifice in solidarity with us.   What a wonderful gift to rejoice in!

Each time we come to participate in the Eucharist we are strengthened through the same gifts we received at our baptism.   The priest invokes the Holy Spirit over the gifts of bread and wine.   We hear Jesus words in the offering his body and blood for us in the baptism of his death.  We join together with him in praying the Our Father as brothers and sisters in Christ.  Finally we receive his living Eucharistic presence in communion to nourish us on our journey to eternal life.   The living waters we received at baptism become a river of strength each time we receive the Eucharist. 

This Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a joyous occasion to bring bridge from the Christmas Season into Ordinary time.   It’s a reminder for us to appreciate God’s mercy through Christ’s sacrifice in solidarity with us to provide hope for eternal life.   Let us now renew our own Baptism and respond with joy as his beloved adopted sons and daughters to become instruments of God’s mercy during this special Jubilee year of Mercy. God bless you.