Suggested Reading: Mark 15: 16-20
“Whoever believes and is
baptized will be saved.” Being a part of
the Christian Community and recognizing Jesus Christ as our savior must be a
central part of our lives. It should not be put in the background but instead
should be an important part of our identity. It should serve as a defining
characteristic of our actions and way of life. We have to be careful to avoid our
Christian Identity from being put in the background to serve as a cultural
dynamic and nothing more. Too often society and the demands of everyday life
belittle the Christian Experience and divert attention from it; thus reducing
its overall influence.
Jesus Christ described the effects of Sanctifying Grace and the
receiving of baptism. There is a definite reaction spiritually, mentally, and
physically to its presence. When someone comes forward to receive baptism, it
is a transforming moment. It is in that moment the person becomes a member of
the Church, is claimed by Christ, and their birthright as a Child of God is
realized. The Sanctifying Grace necessary for Salvation is also bestowed on that
person and they are offered a special protection from the evils and temptations
of the world.
Witnessing someone as an adult receiving baptism is a wondrous
blessing. The Holy Spirit is present in a very special way. There are tears of
joy throughout the community and a spiritual energy that is hard to describe.
It is through this presence that miracles abound. The description afforded to
the Gospel of Mark cannot be understated. It is too easy to read the words and
not understand the significance. We have all been commissioned to proclaim the
Gospels, live our lives with Jesus Christ, and experience a transformative
existence. We need to let our birthright have an impact on everything that we
say and everything that we do. This was the intention of Jesus.
Yes, Sanctifying Grace and a life with Jesus will insure
salvation. Beyond that, it is necessary to let this knowledge bring us
happiness and success in this life. We cannot ignore this life while focusing
solely on the next. If we do this, we miss God’s beautiful creation that is all
around us and which we are an intricate part of. This is the key to happiness
and the experience of feeling God’s Love. When we put Him back into His
creation we can then understand more fully this world, our purpose, and this
life. This life is indeed beautiful. It only takes on a darker form when God is
ignored and our own free will is acted upon without considering God. Nothing,
absolutely nothing can go wrong when God is taken fully into account and we
surrender to Him. When that happens, beautiful things happen in a natural
progression and we are able to feel it every day. Once we experience it, we
will thirst for more and for a more perfect life with God.
Paul describes in his Letter to the Ephesians the riches, inheritance,
wisdom, and power that awaits all who believe. We can all be partakers in this
destiny if we only let the Holy Spirit do its work in our lives. We must let
God love us and experience that love if we are to be happy. That is all God
wants for us: to be happy and to love Him.
Deacon Tom
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