A  solemn  moment  in   the  history  of  salvation  is
recorded with the incredible scene of Christ lining up
with all the sinners who flocked to the banks of the
Jordan to be baptized by John.  The time had arrived

to leave behind His private life at Nazareth and begin
His public ministry.  John was slightly hesitant at the
approach of the sinless one, but when Jesus emerged
from the waters the heavens were a blaze of glory as

they  echoed  God  the
beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Today’s feast (which concludes the Christmas Season), is a powerful reminder of
the vocation to which we are called. It recalls our own baptism in consecrated

waters which cleansed our
our relationship with God.  The seeds of the Christian life are sown in baptism
which means we belong to God’s family, are able to call God, “Father” and Jesus
Christ “our brother”.

Like Christ we have been chosen for a mission in the world of our time.  The
carrying out of that mission will only be possible if we are prepared to live in
accordance with God’s will.

The truth be told, baptism is not over and done with when the priest or deacon
pours  water  over  our  head  and  the  sacred  ceremony  is  completed.    The
sacrament is the planting of the seed of Christian life which grows and bears fruit
as we develop our personal relationship with Almighty God.

The  beginning  of  a  new  year  provides  us  with  an  opportunity  to  review  our
commitment to Christ and reflect on our calling as members of God’s family.  Let
us, as a parish family, thank God for making us His children.  As we live through
each day of 2011 may we strive to place God first in all that we do and in all that
we are.

God bless and keep you always!
Fr. Hilary