Importance of the Baptism of Repentance

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season :  2nd Week : New Liturgical Year : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:1-8*

*First Reading : Is 40:1-5, 9-11*

*SECOND READING - 2 Pt 3:8-14*

*Importance of the Baptism of Repentance*

*1) Baptism of Water*

All of us are very familiar with the baptism of Water 

We are all baptised with the Water. Water was poured on our head, while baptising as a sign of cleansing from all sin 

So water was instrumental in wishing and cleansing us from the dirt of Sin. We are made clean with the Waters of baptism 

*2) Baptism of Repentance*

Here repentance can be placed in the place of Water 

Water gives life, water purifies us, water makes us active and water quenches our thirst

Likewise, the repentance gives us new life, repentance purifies us, repentance makes us active and new and repentance quenches our thirst for God 

*3) Washing in the Waters of Repentance*

Repentance is a holy thing, which can completely change ones life 

When we are washed with the waters of repentance, we are completely washed from the dirty things of sins, anf weaknesses 

Blessed are the one who gets the opportunity to baptise oneself in the waters of Repentance

*4) Repentance is the First thing in the Preaching*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the preaching of John the Baptist. The core message of his preaching is the repentance

When Jesus began, His preaching, he also started with the theme of repentance 

He gave a call to people to repent from their sins, because the kingdom of God is at hand 

So the theme of Repentance becomes a very important one in the whole of preaching of Jesus  

*5) Importance of the Baptism of Repentance*

It gives us an opportunity for a new life 

It washes all our sins and makes us clean 

It changes our life from any situation and makes us spiritually very rich and bright 

It makes us to realise the greatness of God and our creatureliness

It is the sign of new beginning towards a great goal 

The result of repentance is always positive and enriching  

*6) My Life and Baptism of Repentance*

How does I look this? What is the significance of it to my life? 

Baptism of repentance should start from my life. I can't wait for some one to begin for me 

Others can't breath for me. Likewise others can't repent for me 

Repentance is personal, self realising and moving toward always a positive Goal

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*