Baptism

by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Saturday 17 January 2009 (9 Tobi; 9 Tuba)
The Lord's Baptism will be Celebrated on 6/19 January 09.

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
(John 6:57)

But Jesus answered and said to him,"Permit it to be so
now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,"
then he allowed Him.
(Matt.3:15)

Love Never Fails.
(1 Cor.13:8)

O, my heart, why are you striving for happiness in this world, when you know that there is no peace or joy in it?
(Mystery of Godliness)

Our first relationship with the Cross, starts by Baptism, where our old Adam is crucified so that sin will never enslave us.
(Pope Shenouda III)

Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
(John 1:29)

John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
(Luke 3:16)

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.
(Luke 3:8)

REFLECTION:

The Holy Eucharist (Communion) is a fire that purifies and consumes
all our miseries and imperfections. Do Everything in your power to make
yourself worthy of the Eucharist, and this Divine Fire will take care of
the rest.

Living God, You have given us the Communion as our food for heavenly
life. Help us to partake of it often, and so be strengthened during our
pilgrim journey on earth.
(Hyacinth of Marescotti)

HOMILY:

BAPTISM

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptised of him.
(Matt.3:13)

John's reaction was one of dismay, that Christ should come to him for
Baptism, being the sinless
One. But Jesus told John it was needful for Him to be Baptised as an example
for the rest of mankind. We go to Matt.28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost." This was Our Lord's Commission not only to His Apostles,
but to the Church down through the ages. But is this being done today? Have
we the same zeal as the early Church?

We do not think enough about our own baptism; it is Our Lord's first gift to
each of us, full of His thoughtfulness. In instituting it, He took something
that existed already (Jews used it in receiving proselytes; and John the
Baptist accentuated it,) and He made it into a great Spiritual reality.
So Baptism, like Sacrifice, goes back into the roots of human history,
awaiting His creative touch.

Our own Baptism is not a mere event in the past; it is working in you still:
infused grace, infused virtues, and the right to actual graces. The need is
to live up to our Baptism. Virtues like limbs, do not grow unless they are
used. Keep thy Baptism, Keep the Commandments of God, that thou mayest meet Him.

Baptism is the prerequisite for admission into Christ's Body the Church, not into one specific
denomination, as some would have us think. Scripture allows for re-baptism if it has been done
by Apostates or Heretics. May we all take Our Lord's Commission to heart and follow His
instructions and Go into all the World and Preach the Gospel to the unconverted.
To Thee be Glory and Praise, now and ever, unto the Ages of Ages.
AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 41:1-6; Gospel Matt.4:12-22.
Morning: Psalm 41:7-8; Gospel John 3:22-29.
Litrugy: 1 Cor.1:1-17; 2 Peter 1:12-19; Acts 16:25-34;
Psalm 44:3-4; Gospel Luke 3:1-18.