February 8, 2004
January 21, 2007
May 29, 2011
The priest rector of the Our Lady of Peace EDSA
Shrine, shared a thought-provoking homily a few Sundays ago during the feast of
Epiphany in which he emphasized Jesus’ important belief in the sacrament of
Baptism as He Himself was subjected in River Jordan. Fr. Nilo went on to catechize us, his
parishioners, about the symbolisms of water, oil and candle during the Catholic
rite of Baptism. This once-in-a-lifetime sacrament, after receiving, leaves an
invisible yet indelible mark as Christians that should guide and enlighten us
through our lifetime. The importance of Baptism is made more pronounced by
Catholics as we all can see the “mini” baptismal fonts that are located near
the entrances of churches as if to remind us daily of our Baptismal vows. At
this point, Fr. Nilo reminded us to do remember our own baptismal date since it
is as relevant as our biological birth date. It symbolizes our spiritual birth.
But the greater challenge nowadays is living up
to the Christian values and virtues especially when the odds are stacked
against us. Do we submit and conform to the worldly standard that emphasizes
“selfie” gratification and comfort? Do we succumb to corruption when everyone
around us seems to be doing it? Do we keep quiet or even consent to the sinful
acts of our friends and family members just to preserve our good standing
friendship? Do we look the other way when opportunities to serve others comes
our way? Do we pray only when it is convenient to do so? Do we set good and
truthful examples to our children?
As Fr. Nilo puts it beautifully, we should do
what is right because it is expected of us as baptized Christians so much so
that at the end of our life, God will welcome us with His eternal embrace
because He is also expecting us to be there in Heaven.
I still have to look over my baptismal
certificate to ascertain my Christening day but the dates above are the
baptismal dates of our three children.
My wife and I know these dates by heart.
So, do you know your baptismal day?
More importantly, do you try to live your
baptismal vows?
(
from Catechism of the Catholic Church )
An indelible spiritual mark . . .
1272 Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the
person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the
indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin
can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of
salvation. Given
once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
1273 Incorporated into the Church by Baptism,
the faithful have received the sacramental character that consecrates them for
Christian religious worship.The
baptismal seal enables and commits Christians to serve God by a vital
participation in the holy liturgy of the Church and to exercise their baptismal
priesthood by the witness of holy lives and practical charity.
1274 The Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal of the Lord ("Dominicus
character") "for
the day of redemption. "Baptism
indeed is the seal of eternal life. "The faithful Christian who has
"kept the seal" until the end, remaining faithful to the demands of
his Baptism, will be able to depart this life "marked with the sign of
faith,"with
his baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God - the
consummation of faith - and in the hope of resurrection.
