As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today, let us reflect on our own consecrations. The blessing of the Holy Spirit comes to each one of us for the first time at our own baptisms when we were anointed with the sacred oil of chrism.
In this joyful ceremony, we are not only cleansed from Original Sin but also initiated into Christ's saving mission and given the spiritual gifts of faith, hope and charity to carry it out effectively.
Then, sometime after we reached the age of reason, we received the Sacrament of Confirmation and were consecrated again with the same oil of chrism. The graces that were given to us as little children in Baptism are now able to be personally assimilated, chosen and strengthened in the young person who accepts a new role in this mission, that of being a Soldier of Christ.
As a Benedictine monk, I received an additional consecration at my Solemn Monastic Profession and became a living instrument to bring Christ's spiritual life to His people. Through the consecration, I am given the spiritual power to perform the works of a consecrated monk to sanctify, heal and bring souls out of darkness. Thus, it is through the channel of God's grace created by a consecration that each of us is able to continue to have access to the Throne of Grace.
How much spiritual wisdom is contained in the Baptism of the Lord! Fundamentally, the Lord Jesus' consecration with the oil of gladness makes all other consecrations possible.
On this special feast day, let us rejoice that we are "beloved sons and daughters" of the Father and that we are consecrated for the most important mission of all — salvation.
All He requires of us is that we "remain in Him as that anointing has taught us".
In this joyful ceremony, we are not only cleansed from Original Sin but also initiated into Christ's saving mission and given the spiritual gifts of faith, hope and charity to carry it out effectively.
Then, sometime after we reached the age of reason, we received the Sacrament of Confirmation and were consecrated again with the same oil of chrism. The graces that were given to us as little children in Baptism are now able to be personally assimilated, chosen and strengthened in the young person who accepts a new role in this mission, that of being a Soldier of Christ.
As a Benedictine monk, I received an additional consecration at my Solemn Monastic Profession and became a living instrument to bring Christ's spiritual life to His people. Through the consecration, I am given the spiritual power to perform the works of a consecrated monk to sanctify, heal and bring souls out of darkness. Thus, it is through the channel of God's grace created by a consecration that each of us is able to continue to have access to the Throne of Grace.
How much spiritual wisdom is contained in the Baptism of the Lord! Fundamentally, the Lord Jesus' consecration with the oil of gladness makes all other consecrations possible.
On this special feast day, let us rejoice that we are "beloved sons and daughters" of the Father and that we are consecrated for the most important mission of all — salvation.
All He requires of us is that we "remain in Him as that anointing has taught us".
2 comments:
Hi Dom im stopping by to see whats your up too..;)
hello...kafatid my tag ako sayo...baka kc ngyn na nasa disyerto kana iba na ang isagot mo sa mga tanung don...dito
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