The Gospel of Luke, chapter 3:6

The major objection to Christianity by it’s opponents is that Christianity has never been practiced. G. K. Chesterton once replied to this objection by answering that Christianity had never been tried. Chesterton’s answer is good. Christianity is primarily a way of life, not a theory. It offers new life, and is convincing, primarily, as witness. The evidence of Christianity is shown by the good example, the change-for-the-better which it is capable of producing in people’s lives. On this it either stands or falls. Faith must be shown to make sense even if it is a mystery. Theologians can demonstrate that faith does not contain internal contradictions, that is does not flout scientific knowledge. However, the proof of faith, the worthwhileness of faith, can only be demonstrated by showing the real and practical evidence of its value; the evidence of a new spirit (the Holy Spirit)in our lives.

In today’s gospel we read about the new Baptism of Jesus: A baptism “in the Holy Spirit and in Fire.” Our Savior began his public ministry by receiving John’s Baptism of Repentance. He did not need repentance, but he wished to identify himself with the rest of mankind who do need repentance. He also wished to redeem, not only mankind but all of nature as well. With the New Baptism that Jesus has given us, the course of humankind and of life was altered for the better.

Jesus has changed the way we look at the world, the way we live, work or die. The Christian or follower of Christ regards his life in this world, not simply as a series of earthly happenings, but as being vitally related to God’s providence. The Christian takes it for granted that there is a constant interplay between nature and grace, that there is something above and beyond the world of nature and events manifest­ing the presence of God. What is a religious experience for one may not be a religious experience for another. The starry heavens above, the shining splendor of the Milky Way, may be viewed as a distant amalgam of astronomic phenomena by a non-believer. To the Christian, however, these are not only exciting aesthetic wonders; these are images of the handiwork of God.

With Jesus, we are baptized into a new way of life. We are given a new spirit (the Holy Spirit) and a new way of looking at life through the eyes of faith.

May you come alive to the new life of Baptism within you.

Fr. Hugh Duffy