Reflections from the Heart – January 9, 2022

The Baptism of the Lord
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“I am baptizing you with water. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Our baptism is an important day in our spiritual life and an important part of our spiritual journey. It is the entryway into the Father’s heart, the gateway into heaven, the doorway into eternal life. We become beloved children of God, members of his holy family, heirs to his Kingdom. We share in the blessings of Christ, the graces of the Holy Spirit, the mercy of God. It is a date of great importance. Do you know the date of your baptism? Have you celebrated it?  Do you understand the gift given to you? Take a moment to reflect on the gift of that special day. Disconnect yourself from all surrounding noise. Detach yourself from all possible distractions. Enter into the silence then into the scene. What does the church of your baptism look like? Do you know the name of the church? Have you prayed to that saint? When the priest asks, “what name do you give this child?” What name did they give you? Have you ever traced the cross on your forehead given to you at baptism as you were claimed for Christ? Can you still feel the warm sensation and soothing effect of the Oil of Salvation applied to your chest to heal the wounds caused by sin? Have you embraced your baptismal promises to believe in God and reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises? Do you believe in God? Do you reject sin? Spend a moment reflecting on the prayer used to bless the water that brought you forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. “We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life.”  Reflect also for a moment on the prayer used to anoint you with the Sacred Chrism. “The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation.  As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.” God has truly blessed you. Have you thanked God for saving you? “You have put on Christ, in him you have been baptized.”