I believe baptism is one of those events, that if it has happened in our lives, we probably have given little attention to it through the years. In fact, if you have been baptized as an infant, you probably have no recollection of it. Yet, it stands as a powerful sacrament to bring us God's grace and also to empower us in Christian living.

This Sunday, January 11, is the Baptism of our Lord. We would recall that Jesus himself was baptized with a baptism that came from John the Baptist. His baptism was not for seeking forgiveness or God's grace, but to establish solidairity with us. It was also stood at the beginning point of his public ministry! Shortly after his baptism, he would face temptation!

Baptism connects us to Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote: "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:3-4

We have been brought into a new age where we live connected to Christ's death and resurrection. As such, we are to die to sin and live the new life Jesus has given to us. Our baptism out to make us feel that we can overcome temptation, and that we can put away a sin that keeps nagging away at us.

Do you know on what date you were baptized?
Do you recall your baptism very often for giving you strength in your life?