Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
SACRAMENTS
Jesus answered him, “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.” – Matthew 3:15
I n t h e F i l i p i n o - C h i n e s e community, it is common practice to arrange an extravagant party to celebrate a child’s first birthday. Each year, the parties get more complex. It’s now normal to rent an upscale venue, hire entertainers, and spend thousands on balloons alone.
Of course, being Chinese makes us frugal, too. Our solution to the problem of burgeoning costs is simple: make it a double celebration! By postponing the baptism until the party date, we save money by skipping a separate blowout!
When I read today’s Gospel that Jesus was required by God to be baptized to start His ministry, I felt the urgency and importance of this sacrament. It is foolish to wait, especially for paltry reasons like party costs.
Each of the sacraments is there for a reason: they sanctify and strengthen us, enabling us to do God’s work. Don’t postpone them just for the sake of convenience or supposed practicality. Attend Mass. Stop living in with your partner and get married. Go to confession. And like Jesus, receive all the gifts that each sacrament brings and use them to fulfill your mission. Cecil Lim
Reflection: “To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.” (Blessed Mother Teresa)
Dear Jesus, thank You for instituting the sacraments as channels of Your grace.
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, virgin, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment