Gospel:
Mark 1:7-11
This is
what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am
not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you
with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
It
happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was
baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the
heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a
voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well
pleased.”
+ + + + +
+ +
Reflection:
What does
baptism signify? It signifies the beginning of our faith life journey with
Jesus. It also signifies our humility and our willingness to become member of
the church that Jesus founded through Peter.
When we
were brought to church by our parents our parents did this from their own
freewill. Nobody told them to bring that newly born child to church so that it
could be baptized. They did this because they want their child to become a
member of the church and a certified follower of Jesus.
Unfortunately
to many parents this desire for their child to become a member of the church
and a follower of Jesus begins and ends with the child’s baptism. They fail to
recognize that after their child’s baptism comes the responsibility to bring
the child to church for Holy Mass every Sunday.
When the
child is at the right age already comes the responsibility of the parents to
teach the growing child about the teachings of the catholic faith. And comes the
responsibility of the parents to open their bible to the growing child so that
the child could be familiar with the teachings of God.
So what
happens to the child? He/she grows without any awareness about his/her
responsibilities as a baptized catholic. He/she becomes a follower of this
world than a follower of Jesus and the church that He founded. Would you want
your child to become a follower of this world than become a follower of Jesus?
Of course not!
The Baptism of the Lord is a timely reminder for all parents that their
faith obligation to their child doesn’t end with his/her baptism. Baptism is
only the beginning after baptism the parents are tasked to form this child
about the importance of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the church in their
faith life. So that this child would
eventually become a good son or daughter and a productive citizen of this world
and fruitful follower of Jesus.
How are
you raising your child after his/her baptism or how did your raise your
children after they were baptized? - Marino J. Dasmarinas
No comments:
Post a Comment