Daily Thoughts - Make God Known
1226 From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism. Indeed St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."26 The apostles and their collaborators offer Baptism to anyone who believed in Jesus: Jews, the God-fearing, pagans.27 Always, Baptism is seen as connected with faith: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household," St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative continues, the jailer "was baptized at once, with all his family."
Authority. Baptism is the beginning of understanding, the beginning of the acceptance of the teachings of the Church. Saint Paul was part of his own church without the Holy Spirit, it wasn't until he was baptized in the Holy Spirit did he begin to honor God with his life. He recognized the teachings of Jesus and how he was to obey His authority.
In our readings today, they speak of the deposit of faith and how it is handed down. The instruction is given by the Holy Spirit and we are to listen and honor Him. Apostolic succession is one of the gifts of the Church. It is a continuation of the lineage of Jesus's family. The gifts are handed on from generation to generation. Peter was the first to be endowed with the gifts of the Church. We have been given ears to hear and eyes to see, watch as God moves the hearts of the faithful. Our heritage is written and we are given free will to follow. Listen and discern the will of God.
Dear Father, it is a blessed morning, to sing praise to you at the holy sacrifice of the Mass. To witness to the glory of You in the lives of the saints. Thank You for the gift of Your successors that are given the blessings of Heaven that we may learn deeper of Your teachings. Prayers for rain both natural rain and spiritual rain. May we be a pleasing offering in Your sight. Love Your son.
Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Pray for us.
St Patrick, Pray for us.
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Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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