The Joy of Baptism

Dear Friends

I have three older brothers. When I was growing up - they were my heroes - they were my role models. Even today, I really look up to them. In my religious upbringing, my parents and especially my grandmother were most influential. They helped me to become familiar with God’s ways. They taught me how to discern the will of God.

Listening For God's Voice

We heard about the calling of the young boy Samuel. He needed the support of the prophet Elia to understand the voice. With this in mind, listening it is very important. We need to listen carefully and with perseverance. I would like to ask you a question – may be it is a funny question. Why do we have two ears and one mouth? I assume, God wants us to listen more than he wants us to speak! In baptism, God calls each and every one of us by name. In the gift of baptism God offers us his friendship. It is a unique relationship. Because, Jesus asks us, like he asks the disciples of John: "What are you looking for?" With us, Jesus wants to create an intimate bond of love and life. In his friendship, in this communion, respect and kindness count a lot. In this relationship, God unites us with his heart and with the hearts of our families and friends.

A Baptism People

Through the sacrament of baptism we become a community of people who carry Jesus Christ close in our hearts. This is the innermost reason of baptism. It is a great joy that we have been baptised. I thank my parents very much that they had me baptised many, many years ago.