Have we forgotten our Baptismal Promise?

The baptism of the Lord marks the end of Christmas and the beginning of ordinary time. It is also the transition of Jesus’ hidden life to public ministry. The baptism of Jesus: 1. Represents solidarity with sinful humanity 2. Is a manifestation of the sonship and divinity of Jesus 3. Prefigures the sacrament of baptism that Jesus would institute For us Catholics - baptism is a sacrament of initiation, a gateway to receive other sacraments. It reminds us of our own identity and mission, as adoptive children of God, members of the church, as temples of the holy spirit. As we celebrate Jesus’ baptism today, we also celebrate our unity with God through our own baptism. Let us reflect on our own baptism and renew our baptismal promise, our mission of preaching the good news through our Christian life of love, mercy, service and forgiveness. - Sunday Homily by Fr. Sikstus Bapa Atawolo, C.Ss.R. (12 January 2025)