Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Baptism of the Lord and Missionary Discipleship
The Baptism of Christ reminds us of our own baptism in the waters he made holy. We were brought into Christ and his mystical body, the Church, at our baptism. The Church, by its very nature, is missionary. Just as Jesus is the One sent by God the Father, so we who are members of the living Christ and his Church are sent to reveal and communicate the love of God. We bear witness to Christ by our life and words as missionary disciples empowered by the Holy Spirit.
We make Jesus known and loved by speaking about him to those who are near and far. So many people – neighbors, friends, associates, co-workers – can only come to hear the gospel and recognize Christ through us. Evangelization is the fundamental task of the People of God, the duty of every baptized Christian, and the greatest expression of our love for God and neighbor.
In Christ,
Rev. Robert P. Capone
