St. Theresa Catholic Church

January 13, 2019:  Last weekend, we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord. This weekend, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Another term for Baptism is Christening. The term Christening derives from the Greek word chrisma, which means anointing, for every baptism involves an anointing with chrism. Chrism is only used for those rites where a person’s nature is changed. The rites are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

Once anointed, there is no going back. Kings and Queens were once anointed at their coronations to mark their new status as protectors of the people. Anointing was also used in ancient times as a way of healing a sick person– a practice that we continue to this day in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  As we bring all this together, we find that when we are Christened, our status changes, we are now called Christians, we share in the reign of Jesus Christ, Lord of Heaven & Earth, and we are healed of Original Sin. 

Christening also means receiving a name. At Baptism the priest asks the name of the one being baptized. In the case of Infant Baptism, this was the public announcement of the child’s name. In a sense, the child is now someone, a member of the community, since he or she has a name. Jesus was christened in being named by the voice from heaven. The voice is traditionally identified with God the Father. The voice from heaven shows that Jesus was christened “Son of God.” That he was the long expected Messiah and the means of healing for the people of Israel. Jesus was christened by the Holy Spirit, the spirit that hovered over the waters in the creation story found in the book of Genesis.

Jesus is not only a good man who lived and inspired people over 2,000 years ago. If he were, we would simply call him Jesus of Nazareth, Instead he is the Christ. May we allow the Christ that is now a part of us show forth to others.

Please join us on the 1st Saturday and 2nd Sunday of each month for food and fellowship.   **Please note Saturday Social has moved weekends to accommodate the participation of more parishioners.

If anyone would like to be visited by Fr. Mark, please call the rectory at 903-845-2306. Also, if prayers are no longer needed, please let us know.