This is essentially the meaning of Baptism. If I ask people in general what baptism means the most popular answer would be that through baptism we become members of the church. This is very true. However, there is also another meaning of baptism that we need to be aware of. From the moment of our baptism, we become a special person because our God starts to live within us in a most powerful manner. We become a new creation, animated and totally steeped into the life transforming presence of the spirit of our God. This is the reason why a white dress is associated with baptism. White which is the sign of life and the sign of joy and happiness. This is also the reason why water is used at baptisms. Water is a sign that we have something new, something different. The part has been transformed and changed because of the Holy Spirit of God who lives in us.
In the second reading from the Acts of the Apostles we find Peter asserting something very important about Jesus to Cornelius a new convert. "God has anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power. (This happened at his baptism), and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil". (Acts 10:38) This is further emphasised in the gospel of today where we see that at the baptism of Jesus a voice was heart proclaiming "You are my Son, the Beloved: My favour rests on you". (Mt 3:22)
This is who we are because of our baptism. We are the beloved sons and daughters of our God. God's favour rests on us and because of this we are invited to continue the work of Jesus Christ with the same results that he experienced.
You and I as baptised have an awesome call. Going back to the tsunami tragedy we may ask ourselves how is my baptism going to help in the midst of so much heartache, death and destruction. I would like to offer a couple of reflections. In the first place, the magnitude of such a tragedy has also caused an unprecedented generosity from many part of the world. Our nation has contributed magnificently in this situation. The Catholic community has manifested a deep commitment in practical terms to help rebuild both the physical and material necessities as well as the spirit of the people involved in such disastrous circumstances. Our gratitude and admiration also goes to those volunteers who are at the moment burying the dead, bringing clean water to the living, those who are administering the due medical care and those who are providing so much needed hope.
We are all saying to the people engulfed by this tragedy, we are with you. You are not alone. You are in our hearts and minds. We are thinking of you and we are doing what is possible to ease your hurt, to ease your pain, and to support you in practical ways in order that you may be able to move forward. We also pray and think about those who have died that they may find rest with our God.
Yes, as human beings we are all touched by the misery, the pain and the suffering. We cannot remain indifferent to the children who have lost their parents, and for all those who have lost their loved ones. Yes, as human beings we are moved to somehow try to alleviate the dire situation of so many people. However, as baptised we do all this with an added dimension. We are not doing this only because we are nice people whose hearts and compassion have been deeply touched. These people are part of our family. They are our brothers and sisters because we believe that God created them. They have a dignity which needs to be protected and respected. Therefore we help to the utmost because the spirit of our God who is in us impels us to do so as we are called to be of service to others.
Moreover, as baptised we are invited and challenged to be a source of hope and practical help not only when tragedy occurs, but everyday of our lives. As human beings we are always surrounded by brothers and sisters who for one reason or another are finding it hard to cope with life. Let us remember that like Jesus we have been given great gifts to ease the burden of those around us. At times we are called to contribute financially like at the present moment. However, there are also those times when an encouraging word or giving up our time for others can be just as powerful. As baptised, our generosity and sensitivity is needed very day. May we always be the people who manifest hope where there is despair, life where there is death, courage where there is weakness, consolation where there is depression and most of all may we manifest the power of Jesus Christ when facing what needs to be faced in life, because in essence, being baptised means choosing a life like that of Jesus.
God bless.
