Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ- January 12, 2024
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva
Baptism is both a privilege and a responsibility.
In his Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael in Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva reminded us that baptism is both a profound privilege and a sacred responsibility. Through baptism, we are accepted and adopted as God’s beloved children, receiving His forgiveness and the gift of new life. While baptism grants us the privileges of God’s grace and the promise of inheritance in His Kingdom, it also calls us to live in obedience to His Kingship and to embody the Christian life.
Baptism is not only a gift; it is a covenant with the Lord. We are called to submit to His will, allowing His reign to govern our hearts. As baptized Christians, we are entrusted with the task of being living witnesses of God’s love, spreading His hope and truth through our actions. Let us remember that we are, in a sense, “walking Bibles,” called to reflect the teachings of Christ in everything we do. This is the essence of our covenant through baptism.
But why do we renew our Baptismal Vows? Does the covenant expire? No the covenant does not expire. But it is our obedience and submission that sometimes expires which is why every year, we renew our baptismal vows.
Check out our Sermon page for more homily recaps and video links to our uplifting messages. God bless!
