I was raised in the Baptist Church, and both my mom and dad had a Baptist preacher as a grandfather. One of my great-grandfathers wrote a catechism for the Baptist Church. I’m truly grateful for my Baptist heritage, and especially for the experience of being baptized at age 10, on March 29, 1956. We had had several months of preparation for this moment, to be sure that we had an understanding of what we were about to do. I specifically remember being asked if I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord, responding Yes, and being dunked under the water in the baptismal tub in the sanctuary of our church, Roundy Memorial. The minister had one of my dad’s big handkerchiefs to cover my nose 🙂
When I came up from under the water, I knew something had happened – something inside of me had changed. I had a sense of my own sinfulness, and of God’s grace. Looking at a side window in the church, I saw a Cross reflection from the street light across the way. And I had a deeper desire to follow Jesus, and to live the Christian life in a way pleasing to the Lord.
Whenever I bless myself with holy water, I’m reminded of that very baptism, and the call to live the Christian life in, with, for and through Jesus. Since being introduced to living life in the power of the Holy Spirit through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, baptism in the Spirit has often been on my mind. All four Gospels speak of Jesus teaching His disciples that they were to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and not to leave home (Jerusalem) without it! This second baptism, not as a Sacrament, but as a deeper surrender and desire of my heart, has made a huge difference in my journey. It’s made me painfully aware of how limited I was to live the Christian life without it, and how much a part of the beginning of the Christian life it really is. It’s been another blessing to be a part of Life in the Spirit Seminars, and to witness people knowing, often for the first time, the love of God in their hearts. How can I share God’s love until I really know it in my own heart? It’s a wonderful and amazing grace!
“And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Matt 3:17) The Father is saying these words to each one of us, speaking to our hearts that we are His precious sons and daughters. Lord, may we receive these words in our hearts…
Lord God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for the beautiful grace of Baptism. May we come to a deeper understanding of the grace of this Sacrament, of knowing ourselves as your beloved children, and grow in living our lives in the power of Your Spirit ~
Spiritual Sun Pennies 