As we come to the close of our diocesan focus on the Immaculate Virgin Mary and the Eucharist,
we look to Advent and the beginning of a year of St. John the Baptist and the sacrament of baptism.

This past year, we sought to deepen our focus on the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the original vessel of the Lord, and the ongoing presence of the Lord in the bread and wine consecrated to be his body, blood, soul and divinity at every Mass. As we move from this focus, it seems to be very appropriate that we turn to another key figure in salvation history and the sacrament of baptism where we all begin our own personal journey in the way of Jesus Christ.

As we focus on each of the sacraments in the coming years, we will also highlight one of the saints who especially evokes the gift of each sacrament. It seems natural to highlight St. John the Baptist as we focus on the sacrament of baptism. One significant aspect of John is that he was in the presence of the Lord in the early days after Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. Luke 1:39-45 shares the beautiful story of that encounter and the leap of the infant John in the womb of his mother Elizabeth. This story is a tremendous image of Christian joy. 

As we fast forward in the Gospel story we find John and Jesus together again as the Son of God is baptized in the Jordan river. John is a perfect icon of what the joy of the baptized should be as he leaps in the womb and then baptizes “the one whose sandals he is not fit to untie.”

John ushers in the new era of humanity made possible by the Incarnation of the Son of God by baptizing Jesus. As John is reluctant to baptize Jesus, he emphasizes the tremendous generosity of the Lord in embracing the cleansing waters that he has no need of receiving. Jesus opens wide the possibility of saving grace that will ultimately flow from his pierced side on the cross. Thus John and Jesus are together as the sacramental journey is opened for all humanity. Baptism is presented as the door to new life.

As we live through the coming months of a liturgical year focusing on baptism, it is my hope that we all grow in our understanding that baptism is only the beginning of a journey. To be baptized in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is to be forever changed and given an indelible character. This character is to be lived out in countless ways throughout the days of our lives. Not just as a one-time event, but as a new path that guides every moment and every choice we make. To live as the baptized is to live in a light that flows from Jesus Christ and the truth that he lived, suffered, died and rose to share with us all. 

The original name for the followers of Jesus was “the way.”  As we reflect more deeply on our baptism we are reminded that we are called to live a different way, a new way and a joyful way in Jesus. Every step along this way can be an opportunity of renewed life in God’s Divine Son.