Recently we celebrated our country - CANADA July 1st or USA July 4Th.
As people of faith, we must remember that it is through our faith that everything comes into focus. Not by separating our lives from our beliefs. Let us not be fooled by secular humanism or relativism. No matter who we are or what we do we are followers of Jesus Christ first. I know many of you who read this blog (thank you by the way) are Catholic. I also know many are of other denominations. No matter the denomination - it is our faith in God that should influence, and dictate how we live our lives.
As a RC deacon I am privileged to be able to do baptisms. At our parish we do this two times a month - averaging 8 children at a time. The rite of baptism is very beautiful. Over the course of the ceremony we recall our Christian heritage and inheritance. When doing this service I am often compelled to remind the parents, god parents, family and friends of what it is that is happening at this precious time.
The child is being welcome into the Christian community and is taking on Christ - priest, prophet and king! And all the promises He made for us.
This needs to be put into perspective with our real life experience.
When a couple discovers that they are with child, many things begin to happen to them. The obvious is there is new life created in the woman - Mom. She will experience the changes biologically and emotionally. Dad, will change as well although not necessarily physically - he might think he is though!
There will be plans, change in life style. Dreams, hopes, and yes some fears of what is to come. Much consideration will be given to finances, health, education, will we nurse or formula ... will someone stay at home ... and for how long ...
All these things are important, but what takes place at baptism and its significance is much much much more important - it is eternal! All the other cares although important are temporary. So as young parents this is paramount in life decisions.
We take on the characteristics of our parents and the environment that we live. After all, how many times have we heard he has his fathers eyes ... she has her mothers nose ... it goes on and on. Or for young people and young adults when we suddenly realize we are becoming more like our parents. What a realization!
Or as parents when our children do something we say he or she gets that from me ... or if it is something not so favourable we note that he/she must have gotten that from your side of the family!
The point is we have a heritage, either by genetics or environment. How much more important it is when we take on Christ. After all we are now talking about an eternal reality. The salvation of our souls, and that of our families, friends, society, and yes our enemies.
Let's get our priorities straight.
God First
Our Marriage and Family Second
Employment Third
By putting everything into this perspective we can be who God wants us to be ... we can and will take on the characteristics of Jesus, people will recognize us as Christ like. I can think of nothing better to be ...
Do it for your country, do it for your loved ones, do it for yourself ... most of all do it for Jesus the Christ!
After all, 'You are our inheritance, oh Lord!'
Psalm 16
verse 11
'You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.'
