Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The feasts of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord celebrate God’s manifestations to the world. The star guided the wise men to find the Christ with Mary, His mother. For those with eyes to see God could be found. The Lord may still be found in the tabernacle of every Catholic church with the sanctuary lamp burning above pointing to God dwelling among us. Be not foolish and miss the Sign of God’s Presence like most of the world at the time of the Christ’s birth. Rather, be like the wise men who did not rest until they had given God His due homage.
God manifested His three-fold Godhead at the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. The Father’s voice was heard and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus as He was being baptized by John. The Sacrament of Baptism is necessary for salvation because it incorporates us into God’s own divine life. We cannot save ourselves; we need to be joined to Jesus Christ as a branch to a vine if we want eternal life. Babies should be baptized within weeks of birth (not months or years). Only those born again through water and the Holy Spirit may enter the Kingdom of God (Jn. 3:5).
The Lord has made Himself known in order that we might know Him and be saved. The same Lord Who was adored in Bethlehem, and Who lived among us even unto death, is alive in our day. In Jesus Christ we have divine life; apart from Jesus we cannot be saved.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 