As we conclude the Christmas Season at the beginning of a new year, the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord reminds us how we, as adopted children of God, are called to be Pilgrims of Hope.
The new year is publicized as a time of renewal and new beginnings as we set some goals or dream big. The Catechism #1262 states: “The different effects of Baptism are signified by the perceptible elements of the sacramental rite. Immersion in water symbolizes not only death and purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus, the two principal effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.”
Through the grace of baptism, all sins are forgiven, but the temporal consequences of sin remain, such as suffering, illness, death, and weakness of character; but when we are baptized, we become a “partaker of the divine nature,” members of Christ Church and temples of the Holy Spirit.
When we receive sanctifying grace through baptism and become members of Christ body in the Church and share in the priesthood of Christ common to all believers. From that point on, we no longer belong to ourselves, but to God, and are called to be subject to others. Another way of saying our purpose is to serve others and to bring them to Christ through our activity as the People of God.
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Pope Francis officially proclaimed the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 with the public reading and delivery of Spes Non Confundit, the Bull of Indicition, for the Jubilee Holy Year 2025, in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. This papal document lays out the foundation for the 2025 Jubilee and its theme, "Pilgrims of Hope."
As His Holiness Pope Francis so beautifully expressed it: "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision."
Our baptismal call is focused outward towards others and “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
Let us celebrate a Jubilee in 2025 by answering the call to be Pilgrims of Hope.
God Bless,
