Dear Parishioners,
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end the season of Christmas. At first glance, the Baptism of the Lord might seem an odd feast. Since the Catholic Church teaches that the Sacrament of Baptism is necessary for the remission of sins, particularly Original Sin, why was Christ baptized? After all, He was born without Original Sin, and He lived His entire life without sinning. Therefore, He had no need of the sacrament, as we do.
In submitting Himself humbly to the baptism of St. John the Baptist, however, Christ provided the example for the rest of us. If even He should be baptized, though He had no need of it, how much more should the rest of us be thankful for this sacrament, which frees us from the darkness of sin and incorporates us into the Church, the life of Christ on earth! His Baptism, therefore, was necessary--not for Him, but for us.
Many of the Fathers of the Church, as well as the medieval Scholastics, saw Christ’s Baptism as the institution of the sacrament. His Flesh blessed the water, and the descent of the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove) and the voice of God the Father announcing that this was His Son, in Whom He was well pleased, marked the beginning of Christ’s public ministry. Thus his life would never be the same.
This feast is a good time for all of us to reflect on our own faith life. Perhaps this is the time for us to remember our own baptism, renew it and become more involved in our parish family. So as we emerge from the Christmas season to the rest of the year ahead of us, may we stay close to the Lord, asking him to lead us on the path he calls us to walk; for if we do I am sure our life will never be the same!
God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly
Be Aware of a Bad Email from Fr. Reilly
There is an errant email out to parishioners allegedly from Fr. Reilly asking for help and to call him. Don't open the email, just delete it. Fr. Reilly will NEVER email you to ask for anything!
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Funeral Ministry Volunteers Needed
We would like to have a team of volunteers that can occasionally meet with grieving families to help plan Funeral Liturgies.
If you have the gift of compassion and would like to assist, please contact Judy Magee at 484.473.8205 or email jmagee@sspeterandpaulrc.org.