THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AND OUR CHRISTMAS AND EASTER ENTRY INTO THE PASCHAL MYSTERY OF CHRIST..............

The Baptism of the Lord Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, took place not of necessity but the opportunity to teach us the its vital significance as the first requirement in answering God's Call to  Faith and embracing Discipleship in Jesus The Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Jesus' Baptism and His three year Public Ministry it inaugurated; is the bridge forward from His Holy Birth and Sacrificial Death, just as Jesus' Passion, and Death bridge back to His Holy Birth and Baptism.  The Christmas and Easter Events are intertwined together for the core purpose and mission of God's Co-Eternal Son being Born into the World and Baptized into the Ministry, was to attain for Humankind the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery of His Life, Death, and Resurrection.  Thus on this closing day of the Christmas Season as we commemorate the full initiation of Jesus Mission and Ministry for our Redemption and the share in Eternal Life it will provide us, take time today to recognize and re- instill the primacy and purpose of your personal Baptism and a way in which you can minister to others by faithfully witnessing to your Discipleship in Jesus The Lord of Salvation..............Fr.  Troy David