Today, April 13th, is the 29th anniversary of my baptism, which calls for donuts or something because our baptism dates are worth celebrating! I thank God for this gift and am grateful for my parents having me baptized in the Catholic Church as a baby. In today’s Gospel, we read about the importance of baptism. Through Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, we are reminded that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
Have you ever had anyone ask you if you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior or if you’re saved? These questions, which typically come from Christians from different Protestant denominations, indicate a belief of “once saved, always saved”, from one specific moment of accepting Christ and of being born again. But Catholic theology regarding being “born again” is something that happens within the sacrament of baptism, which is what Jesus is referring to in today’s Gospel. In the passage, Jesus says “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Through this sacrament, we are initiated into the Church, we receive sanctifying grace, and we are made new creations. As Jesus tells Nicodemus, baptism is necessary to enter the Kingdom. Baptism is vital for our lives, but it is just the start of our faith journeys.
Our faith is a life-long journey of growing closer to Christ. It requires commitment, dedication, and renewal. The concept of “once saved always saved” gives the impression that we can live our lives however we want, carelessly and without repenting of sin. But we are called to a continual transformation of our hearts and minds. We must live out our baptism daily. Our lives should be evidence of spiritual growth and deeper faith. If we claim Jesus as our Lord and savior, our lives should bear fruit that reflects a life that is lived for Him. And when we fail, we should turn towards Jesus in confession.
In the last part of today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know what it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). This is a reminder for us to allow our lives to be led by the Spirit, to not be passive in our faith lives, to not stand still. He is in control and we cannot know the depths of where He will take us. If we are not growing in our faith and relationship with the Lord, we are likely drifting further away. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our lives, renew our faith, and to help us choose what is good and true?
The sacrament of baptism that we have received was the start of a beautiful journey that the Lord has for us. Take time to thank God for the grace He has given you from the start to now. As I think about my own baptism and faith journey, I am reflecting on a few questions. Am I cooperating with God working in my life? Am I allowing myself to be led by the Holy Spirit? Where do I need to let Jesus transform me so that I can become a greater image of Him?
Faith and The Good Stuff 