Under certain pastoral conditions, with permission…..
Private Baptism
Category: Baptism
Safe from the poison of Sin
Greetings on this the Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 4:23-31; Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9; John 3:1-8
Summary
Our gospel portion today, John 3:1-6, is the preeminent baptismal gospel portion used by the Church. In it, Jesus describes the necessity of baptism of water and Spirit. By water and the Holy Spirit we receive the gift of new life from God, who is love. In that divine life, which God gives, will keep us safe from the poison of sin and allow love itself to grow always stronger in our hearts.
Nicodemus
Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ (Jn 3:5-7).
Ezekiel – from stone to fleshly hearts, from rebellious spirit to divine spirit. This points to a renewal of both body and spirit.
I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them (Ez 36:25-27).
Joel – a restoration for all, from the youngest to the oldest. All are renewed.
It shall come to pass I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions (Jl 3:1).
Reflection
From the Second Sunday of Easter we celebrate the Divine Mercy. First among the gifts of mercy, is the gift of new life in baptism. May we recall our own baptism today and pray for the baptism of all peoples – that the gift of divine love – bring the relief we all need:
- Safe from the poison of Sin.
- A life guided and infused with divine love.
Personal Reflection
As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).
A blessing for you based on the baptismal rite.
My brothers and sisters, I entrust you all to the mercy and help of God the almighty Father, his only Son, and the Holy Spirit. May he watch over your life, and may we all walk by the light of faith, and attain the good things he promised us.
Go in peace, and may almighty God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless you.
Amen.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Jesus Stood In Line
Greetings on this the Baptism of the Lord
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17
Editorial note: Today’s reflection is inspired by Fr. Bob Benko, OFM Conv
Summary
The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him (Mt 3:13, 15).
Of all the theological things we say on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, here is the most personal:
He stands in line with us. Not because he confesses as we confess (admit). But he confesses (declares) his love for us by standing with us.
Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench. He will faithfully bring forth justice. (Isa 42:2-3).
He accompanies us to the Father. This is Jesus’ righteousness.
He stands with us as we confess.
He stands with us as we work, and play.
He stands with us in our hunger, oppression and our entrapments.
The Lord will bless his people with peace (PS 29:11b).
Reflection
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a very happy liturgy for Catholics.
Depending where you attend Mass, the priest often has us do the Renewal of the Baptismal Promise either as a Penitential Right or in replacement of the Creed (the Baptismal Promise contains a creedal affirmation as well). If the situation allows for it, the people are sprinkled with Holy Water as an outward sign of their renewed promise.
It is a major uplifting liturgy and all are changed by participation.
Personal Reflection
Next time you are in a line. Remember, Jesus is in line with you!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry