19th Sun. OT-C’16
“Baptisms”
Fr. Jeff Nicolas
(Speaking to parents of children to be baptized) It is an honor to celebrate baptisms with you this weekend, because last Thursday, August 4th, was the 53rd anniversary of my own baptism into the faith of Jesus Christ. And get this, not only is August 4th my mother’s birthday, it is also the Memorial of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests. I was made to be here!
53 years ago my own path of discipleship began, and today it begins for these children. What will these babies’ discipleships look like? It will be as unique as each of these beautiful souls. I am honored as well to celebrate our baptisms with you today because this weekend I celebrate that 23 years ago my path of discipleship led to being ordained a priest of the Archdiocese. (Show ordination metal) My brother Jerry asked me, when I told him it reads, “I am a Catholic Priest”, does it say on the back, “Call a Catholic?”
Although we each have our own unique paths of discipleship before the Lord, there are common disciple traits… traits Abraham shows us: (Show ordination chalice) This is the chalice of my ordination, which reminds me of three of these discipleship traits. (1) Obedience: Abraham obeyed God. Soon after ordination the rules changed and I was told I could not use it because it wasn’t metal. So I haven’t! This is a small obedience matter, but it demonstrates the point. Disciples go where God tells them to go, even when it may not be where they at first want to go. A Disciple learns to listen to God’s will and then obeys that will no matter what. A disciple obeys.
(2) Tent People: Abraham dwelled in tents. I have been moved around from Hikes Point to E-town, from Okinawa and Mississippi to Dixie Highway, from Fifth Street to Norton Commons. This chalice has been packed up and moved seven times already! Disciples are pilgrim people, called to never stop seeking after the Lord. This is why Jesus tells us to not bog ourselves down with stuff, rather gird yourselves and light your lamps and be ready to follow. A disciple follows.
(3) Sacrifice: Abraham was put to the test, called to sacrifice. The chalice of our Mass holds the Blood of Christ’s sacrifice. Abraham would not need to offer Isaac in the end, but God the Father would sacrifice His Son. Jesus took our place on the cross so we might be able to join him in his place before God. Disciples imitate Jesus in sacrificing themselves for the other, dying to self so God might be glorified. A disciple sacrifices.
Our babies take their first step of discipleship today, but everyone here also has their next discipleship step directly ahead. Embrace obedience, pilgrimage, and sacrifice. And don’t worry about what’s behind you, as Abraham can attest, it is all about where you’re going now!
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