The Baptism of the Lord: a pro-life perspective


“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
~ Luke 3:16



 Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  I am sharing some words from Fr. Frank Pavone, Director of Priests for Life, on today's feast from a pro-life perspective a quote from Pope Benedict, and a short prayer I have composed.

This weekend, we celebrate the Lord’s Baptism, and reflect on the meaning of baptism itself. This sacrament gives us many pro-life lessons.

When we baptize a baby, it proves that God chooses us before we choose him, for every life belongs to him.

And baptism is not just about that baby, but about the whole church welcoming her. All the members of the Church extend their hearts and arms in welcome of that new life. Baptism shows that we are always called to give a welcoming “YES” to life, and never the harsh “no” of abortion.

The so-called “pro-choice” message is that we choose whom we will care for. Baptism teaches us that we are responsible even for those that we do not choose.

~ Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life 

"Each child born brings to us the smile of God and invites us to recognize that life is His gift, a gift that must be accepted with love and protected with care, always and at all times."

~ Pope Benedict XVI, from his homily on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2007

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
As we meditate on the Baptism of Your Son today, help us to recall our own Baptism and its calling -- to proclaim the Good News and to make Your message known to all those we encounter. Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to Your message of life and love. Remove any obstacles that may be preventing us from carrying out Your will in our lives. Teach us the true meaning of love. Grant us the grace to always speak out boldly in Your name for human life and to live our lives as witnesses to Your love. Help us to always be faithful to our mission. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

~ © Jean M. Heimann 2010



Related Posts:

Christmas is over...now what?

Do you still have your Christmas tree up?

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD: "YES" TO A CULTURE OF LIFE
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