From today’s Scripture: “And a voice came from the heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’”—Lk 3:22

It was a Friday afternoon. I received a call from the mother of a six-year old who was dying of lung cancer. She begged me to come to the hospital right away. She gave me instructions on what to do with her daughter when I arrived.

I entered the room and she asked me,“Tap on my back.” Mother and dad had been keeping her alive this way but now there was no hope. I gave her a gentle, loving hug.

That day she was baptized. The next day she died. I can still see her in her little white dress. Sad, but beautiful!

The little girl helped me understand that when we are baptized, all the heavens and all the earth rejoice. Jesus joins us in the water. The Spirit comes in the form of a dove. All the trees shake their leaves and the wind sings, “Alleluia!”

Let us pray: Loving Father, remind me today of the gift of Baptism. Teach me to rejoice and become aware more deeply of the presence of the caring father, son, and spirit who loves me beyond telling.

Today’s author is Father Wil Steinbacher. He has served as pastor of a number of Glenmary missions, in prison ministry, as director of the Glenmary Research Center, and in Glenmary administration.

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