My Dear Friends,

Only last Sunday we kept the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and this weekend we’re being reminded of that moment because it’s the curtain-raiser to Jesus’ earthly ministry of leading us back to his Father. Jesus did this by doing good, by touching human lives, healing people, freeing them from the darkness of sin and directing them to live lives worthy of their calling; and the message for us is that we’ve been chosen to continue this saving work.

At the moment of our baptism the seed of God’s life was planted within us. That moment was the start of our conversion for Baptism is a dedication of self to the call of Jesus. To follow the way traced out by Christ demands a loving personal response on our part. So, this is a time for all of us to reflect on the extent to which Christ has penetrated our thoughts and influenced our behaviour. For we are what we do and how many of us can honestly say that we are leading lives which are worthy of our baptismal calling?

The power of God is at work and incredibly active in the depth of our being when we open our hearts to others, for we preach not by words only but by the way we live and by the effort we exert to make the world a better place by our presence. The example we display in our everyday lives paves the way for Christ in others. So, let us pray for a greater insight into our role in Christ’s mission. God works through ordinary people like us! As the baptism ceremony states, ‘We are to walk always as children of the light, keeping the flame of faith burning brightly within our hearts’. Being a disciple of Christ demands outstanding service, and it costs no less than everything.