The Baptism of the Lord

Dear friends in Christ

The Christmas season ends with the Baptism of Jesus. Although He Himself had no need of Baptism by John the Baptist, nevertheless our Saviour and Redeemer chose to join the ranks of those seeking a Baptism of repentance in the River Jordan. In this, as in His Birth, Our Lord shows his solidarity with us sinners. He does not shun those who are considered undesirable by the standards of the world, rather, He stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the outcasts of society, just as he will die nailed to the Cross between two criminals. That is where He desires to be, in order that He can raise-up fallen humanity.

This is a good feast for us to recall our Baptism; this was a day as important as our actual birthday, since by the grace of God, we received enlightenment in Christ, divine filiation, and a pledge of life eternal. As the priest prays right after the moment of Baptism: Receive the light of Christ: this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly, keep the flame of faith alive in your heart, when the Lord comes may you go out to Him with all the Saints in the heavenly kingdom!

By a well-established Roman custom, our Cribs remain in place until the Feast of The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple—and Mary’s Purification—on 2nd February. It is possible to place a crib offering in the wall box in the Lady Chapel or use the QR code there; these offerings help the work of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society in their support of our vulnerable and needy young people. Thank you for your continued support of this important Diocesan Charity.

May God give you every grace and blessing!

Msgr Kevin Hale