FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners,

As always, we conclude the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Baptism of Our Lord should move us to reflect upon our own Baptism. The Catechism explains the following: “The baptized have become ‘living stones’ to be ‘built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.’ (cf. 1 Peter 2:5) By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission.”  (CCC, 1268)   In other words, through Baptism, one is made priest, prophet and king.  

Through Baptism, one becomes priest.  Of course, this does not mean the ministerial priesthood where one is ordained a deacon, priest or bishop. Rather, this points to the “common” or “royal priesthood” of all the baptized.  To live fully one’s royal priesthood, one must be a prayerful person. Do you pray every day? Parents, do you pray with and for your children? Children, do you pray for your parents? Spouses, do you pray for each other? Families, do you pray before meals, whether you are in the privacy of your own home or whether you are out in public? Single people, do you pray for God’s will to be done in your lives? Do you pray to be God’s instrument in everything that you do? Parents, do you bless your children before they go to bed at night or leave for school? Do you attend Mass? Do you participate in the Mass?

Through Baptism, one becomes a prophet. As prophet, the baptized person is called to witness publicly to Christ in his or her life.  As a baptized Christian, if someone were to meet you for the first time, would he or she be able to sense that you are a person of faith?  Do you wear a sign of faith on our person or carry something with you, like a rosary, that is a sign of your Catholic faith?  When you eat in a public place, do you make the sign of the cross and pray grace asking God to bless your meal?   At work or at home, do people know you are a Catholic? Perhaps, you have a small crucifix or a prayer card in your workspace.  If you don’t have explicit signs that you are a Catholic in your life then you are not being prophetic. A prophet is one who preaches through the beauty of one’s life.

Also, prophets are readers of theology.  A prophet should be capable of articulating the teachings of the faith.  The daily news and current events give us ample opportunities to witness to the truth. Would you be able to articulate Catholic teaching on topics such as capital punishment, the perpetual virginity of Mary, contraception, same-sex unions, the ministerial priesthood, the permanence of marriage, religious life and the divinity and humanity of Christ?  If not, why not? There are many tools available to help one grow in the knowledge of the faith, such as the Catechism, Catholic radio, formed.org, to name a few.  Parents, do you actively teach the faith to your children? Do you teach your children how to pray? Do you introduce them to the lives of the saints? Single people, do you read edifying writings by Catholic authors? Do you make an effort to meet with other friends who support you and encourage you to be a saint? If you are not witnessing to the faith and actively growing in your knowledge and understanding of the faith, you are not exercising the privilege of being a part of the prophetic office of Christ.

Finally, Baptism incorporates us into the Kingship of Christ. A king is someone who leads others to God. What does it mean for a baptized Catholic to live one’s kingship? For parents, it means that you are given the very important task of helping your children find their mission in life. Parents teach their children about the states of life: marriage and the consecrated state, which includes priesthood and religious life. Parents teach their children that each of these states is good and beautiful and that the true happiness of their child is found in choosing the state of life that God has in mind for him or her. One who lives one’s kingship, leads others by leading a prayer group, facilitating a bible study, reaching out to the poor and defending the unborn and the marginalized.

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord reminds us that through Baptism, each of us is incorporated into the life of Christ. We are baptized not to watch the game from the sidelines.  Rather, we participate in the life of Christ and the life of His Church as priest, prophet and king. Exercising these roles in our daily lives is the best way to give honor to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. Berg