THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This weekend at Catholic mass we will celebrate the baptism of Jesus.  This was not infant baptism.  Jesus was circumcised eight days after birth and presented in the temple during his twelfth year all according to Jewish custom and law.

Jewish laws call for ritual washing and cleansing every day and before all religious events.  Elizabeth's son John, who leaped in her womb when Mary visited, called everyone to the river Jordan for a ritual cleansing and removal of sins.  It required a person to admit to sinning and seek forgiveness through repentance.  This was not a Jewish event - it was John's idea - a baptism. 

Jesus who we know had not sinned, came with others for John's ritual cleansing.  Afterward Jesus was baptized, Luke reports, the Spirit of God descended from Heaven upon Him   It came in the visible form of a dove. 

Our Nicene Creed states that we "believe in the Holy Spirit" and "confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins."   Confess here meaning to "acknowledge and declare faith in." 

Baptism is at the foundation of our faith.  Think what it means.  Renew it for yourself often.  Pray that the Spirit comes to you.  Don't be afraid.  It's not that hard. 
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