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This past week, we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was Baptized! What?! Yes, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. He did so for a couple of reasons, he provided all of us an example to enter into the sacramental life of the Church, and he made holy the waters of Baptism. Jesus was a divine person with a human nature and he led by example. A true leader’s leader, of course more than this, he is our Lord. Where he especially leads by example is when he washed the feet of the twelve apostles at the Last Supper and states no servant is greater than his master. We should follow his example.
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When we think back to our own baptism, let us reflect on the effects of Baptism. Baptism is a sacrament of faith; it helps open our hearts and minds to the love of God. Thus, we are able to perceive God and understand His teachings more readily than without baptism. Baptism washes away the effects of original sin and opens up the possibility for us to enter into heaven. Although we need to cooperate with His grace every day, we are not completely free from concupiscence which clouds our intellect from seeing God perfectly. Concupiscence is an effect of original sin that remains, despite our baptism. Lastly, we are charged to go forth and baptize peoples of all nations, in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. We have a duty and call to be evangelizers.
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Evangelization is tough, and as John the Baptist was in the wilderness baptizing, we can feel like we are in the wilderness calling people into relationship with Christ and all that comes back to us is the great echo of our voices. However, at this moment in time, we are called to step out in faith.
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The great evangelization effort we should all be sinking our teeth into is happening in our Diocese, the Eucharistic Congress in the Mass Mutual Center. This is a capstone event for the Year of the Eucharist. Although many have a hard time believing in Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist, according to pew studies, I believe many are looking for something, many are seeking God. Perhaps the Lord is calling out to us in the wilderness, to help rekindle our faith in His real presence in the Eucharist. For more information and for ticket sales, go to catholiclifeconference.org. You can also buy tickets in the office. All are invited to come to this historic event in our Diocese. God bless you and your families,
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