Many Catholics are baptized as infants. We have no memory of the event. Thus, we often don't realize its significance:
1) "In baptism you were not only buried with Him but also raised to life with Him" (Col 2:12).
2) This risen life is brought about through your "baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Ti 3:5).
3) "You are now saved by a baptismal bath which corresponds" to Noah and his family escaping in the ark through the water (see 1 Pt 3:20-21).
4) "All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Him" (Gal 3:27).
5) "You have been washed, consecrated, justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor 6:11).
6) After seeing the risen Christ, St. Paul himself was instructed by Ananias, "Be baptized at once and wash away your sins as you call upon His name" (Acts 22:16).
7) Jesus said, "No one can enter into God's kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit" (Jn 3:5).
8) Jesus also said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mk 16:16, RSV-CE).
9) Finally, Jesus linked Baptism to making "disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19).
Be a disciple. Love your Baptism. Live your Baptism.
| PRAYER: | Father, grace me to live my Baptism generously. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all His works." ––Ps 145:9 |
| PRAISE: | "All ages to come shall call me blessed" (Lk 1:48). Thank You, Holy Spirit, for teaching us how to properly honor the Most Holy Name of Mary. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College