Baptism of the Lord

Some time ago I was on a Pilgrimage with my Vincentian confreres.  I stood at the font where our founder, the infant, Vincent de Paul was baptised some 430 years ago.

The font is a huge circular sculpture, about 4ft in diameter.  Each of us tried to touch the strong stone surface, as we prayed aloud the words of the Creed.  It was a moment of intensity, reaching deeply into the heart, evoking within us a new resolve to be faithful.  Here St. Vincent’s parents immersed their young son into 1,500 years of French Catholicism.  Here St. Vincent found the source for all his service to the poor, his work evangelizing and mission, and his ceaseless prayer and faith.

Today’s Feast of the Lord’s Baptism marks the outset of his public ministry, and special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with the authentic seal of the Father’s favour.  The great vision of the 1st reading begins to shed its light and the 2nd has a glow of achievement as new confidence flows upon us.

Today we reaffirm our call of baptism.  Let us find ways to let this new life illuminate the darkness, and show the goodness of God in the midst of earthly things.

Fr. Eamon Flanagan, C.M.

13th January, 2008