Baptism and Living by the Spirit

Engaging Parish Life by Proclaiming the Gospel!

The Catholic Church teaches at Baptism CCC 1241, “The anointing with sacred chrism, perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop, signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, who has become a Christian, that is, one “anointed” by the Holy Spirit, incorporated into Christ who is anointed priest, prophet, and king (Munus Triplex).”

How are you all fulfilling the offices that you each participate in by virtue of your baptism?

•Priest- It means you should be praying. It means you should be offering prayers for your family, friends, and enemies. It means you should be teaching others—especially your family to pray.

•Prophet- Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you tell others about Jesus? Do people at work know that you’re a Christian? If the answer is “No.” Begin. immediately.

•King- Your Family is the Domestic Church. How are you living a Christian life at home? If someone walked into your house, would they know you’re a Christian?

St. Paul instructs in Romans 8:1-17 that Christians should desire to live by the Spirit, not the flesh.

•What is living by the flesh?

Taking a  look at the crucifix can help

•Is that a rich man?

•Is that a popular man?

•Is that a man with all the pleasures of life?

No, It is a person of humility that lives by the Spirit. We were made for God, but sin has disrupted that plan. Jesus Christ proclaims to us, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mk. 1:15 ESV-CE) Christ Jesus has sanctified water by His baptism through which by his death we die with Him, our sin is buried with Him and through His resurrection we’re raised with Him to eternal life!

This is the good news to proclaim to a world that is enslaved by fear and death. Do not fear death, but have faith. St. Paul writes to the Philipians (v.1:21) that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” The Letter to the Hebrews (vv. 2:14-15) gives further instruction, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”

Those of us who are baptized in Christ Jesus and who have faith in Him by grace have become heirs, adopted sons and daughters of God, whose happiness is not in this passing world, but in the hope of beholding the divine face of God. It is our mission to proclaim Christ and His baptism, so that others may hope in the promises of God. Our Lord desires our place in His bride, Holy Mother Church, desiring to live a life of holiness aided by His grace through the sacraments, so that one day we may end our earthly pilgrimage helping many along the way to enter the kingdom of heaven.