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THE ONLY BRANDING THAT MAKES SENSE

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Feb 25, 2024
  • 3 min read

Readings:

Isaiah 55:1-11

Isaiah 12

Mark 1:7-11

Today, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord (cf. Mk 1.7-11). It occurs at the river Jordan, where John (for this reason known as the “Baptist”) performs a rite of purification, which expresses the commitment to renounce sin and convert. Jesus was not baptised for the same reasons as ourselves. Instead, His baptism confirms his identity as the Messiah and demonstrates his willingness to be the perfect atonement for all sin and death. By being baptized, Jesus shows his submission to the Father, identifies with sinners that he came to save, and is initiated into His Messianic ministry.


Jesus’ baptism shows that the sacrament of baptism is necessary in the life of every Christian. Baptism is the death of a former life and the emergence of a new person, which is signified by the outward sign of water (Catholic baptism involves pouring or sprinkling water over the candidate's head). Nothing but pure natural water may be used, and baptism must be conferred, as Jesus taught, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).


What are the effects of Baptism?

  1. SINS ARE FORGIVEN—By Baptism, all sins (Original Sin and all personal sins) and temporal punishment due to sin are removed. After one has been reborn in Christ, there is nothing to prevent one’s entry into heaven. Though all sins are removed, the inclination to sin that is called concupiscence continues to tackle us like a vicious defender. This inclination to sin shows itself in the darkening of our mind and a weakening of our will, that is, our inability to know the right or wrong of action and/or the lack of strength to resist temptation and always do the right thing no matter how hard this is. May God strengthen you to resist sin through the Sacrament of Penance, the Eucharist, Prayer, a deepening spirituality, growth in virtue, and a wholehearted dependence on God. Amen.

  2. ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD—Baptism also gives us new life as adopted children of God. We become sharers of divine life and temples of the Holy Spirit. We are now made righteous by God and live in a state of grace, that is, we live in union with God because of his gracious and loving initiative. God continues to assist us with many helps that are called “actual graces”. Through this spiritual help, may we mature in goodness through the practice of virtues, such as the Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  3. INITIATED INTO THE CHURCH—By Baptism, we become members of the Church, the Body of Christ. We share in the priesthood of Christ as well as his prophetic and royal mission. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). May we enjoy the community we find in the Church, share our talents and gifts with its members, respond willingly to its teachings and requirements and assume the duties of building the Church and spreading the faith in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  4. BOND WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS—Baptism provides a common foundation among all Christians, including those not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church. The Church recognizes the validity of Baptism in other Christian Churches as long as the rite involves the pouring of or immersion in water, a Trinitarian formula, and the intention to baptize. Those who have been baptized have been …

JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.


Prayer:

  1. Father, thank You for speaking Your word of favour over my life.

  2. Lord Jesus, thank you for washing away my sins by Your death and Resurrection.

  3. Holy Spirit, claim me as Your own and teach me to live as a new creation, spreading everywhere the virtues of faith, hope and love, in Jesus' name. Amen.

  4. May the LORD look upon me with eyes of favour this week, May His blessings rest upon me and fill me with every choicest spiritual and material gift, in Jesus' name. Amen.

 
 
 

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