Walk into a
Catholic Church – expect to see certain things:
Altar –
Pulpit – Tabernacle – Statues – Stations – Holy Water Fonts
Holy Water
Fonts – Baptismal Water – bless ourselves to remember our Baptism.
We are all
so different – yet one thing almost all of us have in common is our Baptism!
Feast of
Baptism of the Lord – Great opportunity to recall what happened to us at our
Baptism:
1) What Name Have You Given This Child –
unique identity “this is my beloved son/daughter” Pope Benedict: “Every baby,
every child carries the face of God.”
2) Signed with the Cross – mark of a
Christian – part of God’s family, a community of faith. I am not alone. 1 Billion Catholics
3) Oil of Catechumens – prayer is to be
set free from Original Sin. Crack Baby – Mother’s addiction to cocaine. Baby is
innocent but needs to be saved. Born
again into new life.
4) I Baptize You – a washing away, a
cleansing. But further: into the death and resurrection of Christ – with the
promise of eternal life!
5) Anointing with Chrism – Dwelling place,
temple of the Holy Spirit. Strengthened
in Confirmation.
6) Clothed with White Garment – clothed in
Christ – outward sign of our Christian dignity. – we belong to God.
7) Lighted Candle – Mission – let your
light shine – bring light to a darkened world.
Two years
ago Pope Francis was speaking at St. Peter’s Square: do you know the date of
your baptism? January 20, 1955. Find out
– because that day changed everything!!!
