The Baptism of the Lord

Come to the Water

Last year on this feast, Pope Francis reminded us of several things!

We rediscover our own Baptism in the Feast of the Baptism. Just as Jesus is the Beloved Son of the Father, we too, reborn by water and the Holy Spirit, know we are loved children—the Father loves us all!—the object of God’s satisfaction, brothers and sisters of many brothers and sisters, assigned with a great mission to bear witness and proclaim the Father’s boundless love to all mankind. -Pope Francis, Angelus, January 12, 2020

Several years ago at SFA, we attached paper drops of water to a tree branch across from our baptismal font. Written on them were our names and the date and place of our Baptism. Some were able to do this quickly; others had to do substantial research! What we all learned from this activity was a renewed sense of what Pope Francis says—we rediscovered our own Baptism. In doing that, we also spent time reflecting on the meaning of this sacrament and both the grace and the responsibility that comes from reception of the sacrament. What does it mean to be reborn by water? By the Holy Spirit? What are we being reborn to—in our being and in our actions? When do we know that we are the object of God’s satisfaction? That we are beloved? Baptism makes us brothers and sisters to many brothers and sisters. When are we most aware of that? When do we forget? And when do we fulfill our mission of bearing witness and proclaiming the Father’s boundless love to all? Jesus spent his life fulfilling His mission of compassionate care for those often “left out” or avoided, for those who did not have access, and those with need for healing. Our Baptism calls us to that same mission, one that requires us to come to the water. May we be blessed in our efforts!