January 12, 2025
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
“Jesus at prayer is typical of the Gospel of Luke.”
One of the great joys of being a priest is celebrating the sacrament of baptism.
Jesus was baptized. We hear that in today’s Gospel, (Lk. 3:21-22).
Jesus commands us saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”, (Mathew 28:20).
The Catholic Church has done this for two-thousand years and we here, are the result. Our parish of OLPH, a parish of various peoples from Africa, Asia, South -Central and Caribbean- America, from Europe, North America, and elsewhere.
Each of you who are baptized members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish and Assumption Catholic school are disciples of Hope. You contribute to our fulfillment of the Command of Jesus: Go. Baptize. Teach. This is how you participate in the victory of justice in Christ Jesus.
Go. Baptize. Teach.
The letter of Titus, encourages us that “The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires, waiting in blessed hope for the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ!”
I see a glimpse of this glory when we gather at mass in one voice, one spirit, one body praying the Lord’s Prayer.
I hear glory with you in the sacrament of reconciliation in the words of contrition and absolution.
When anointing a sick person I touch behind the veil of death -the glory of heaven.
In promises made before God in the sacrament of marriage I witness the sparkle of heavenly delights in the eyes of a man and woman become husband and wife.
In the Amen between the minister and the receiver of the body and blood of Christ, I taste and see the good goodness of God!
And as I act in the person of Jesus in all of these sacraments, I see who we are, as we become what I see: Priests. Prophets and Royal people.
It is baptism that initiates the conditions for this vision of hope, this glory, this victory of justice over the Worlds sin sick systems of domination.
Baptism of water. Baptism of fire. Baptism of blood in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus H. Christ!
You have been baptized and anointed.
You are all priests -your life is a sacrifice of praise.
You are all prophets -your life is a testimony of hope.
You are all of royal dignity -your spirit proclaims the greatness of God. Your being rejoices in God our savior!
Go. Baptize. Teach.
When time is up for us from fire, from ice, from Covid, from guns, from age and we stand before the Eternal, may we hear: Well done. You are my beloved in Christ. With you I am well pleased. Enter into my glory.
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