Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

Not long ago, I found a picture of me as a baby being baptized. I’m being held by my parents with godparents standing by. I have to admit that since I was baptized as an infant, I don’t really think about my baptism too often. Yet, the Church’s teaching on the Sacrament highlights its importance in a way that is both profound and beautiful. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word” (CCC 1213).

Jesus talks about building our house on rock—listening to His words and acting on them. In the spiritual life, I have come to see the foundation—or “the rock”—as having a firm conviction of knowing yourself to be a beloved son or daughter of God. The Catechism makes clear that it is one of the effects of Holy Baptism, but often because of cultural influences, our own doubt, or our experience of failure or disappointment with ourselves (especially on account of our sins), we easily forget ourselves as beloved in God’s eyes.

Sometimes people try to build on another foundation (like the man who built on sand), but there is no firm foundation other than a belief and conviction in your heart that you are loved. In my experience, this belief will save you from much internal anguish in discernment, relationships, and life in general. When you are utterly convinced of God’s love for you, it is very much like a house built on rock that will stand the winds and the rain and whatever other challenges we encounter.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB