One of the habits I hope we all have (or will incorporate into our lives) is to continue to read so as to enhance our spiritual lives. These days there are all kinds of sources: books, podcasts, video, blogs, and more. We do not lack for differing source materials and perspectives. Of course, there is no much, it is hard to know what might be the best mix for you. A good place to start is to try the recommendations of friends, spiritual advisors, folks at church, or links within links within links on what you are currently perusing online. A great way to develop the habit is to sign up for daily/weekly emails or text messages from sources. 

As a priest I am always in homily preparation mode – for daily Mass or an upcoming weekend. In our parish the daily homilies are posted here. (If the page comes up blank, just refresh the page… we are working on that glitch).  Where was I…..? Oh yes… my homily is already prepared when the daily reflections arrive but I still read, reflect and sometimes take notes. After all, these readings come around again. One of the reflections I read comes from Bishop Robert Barron.  I thought I would post his short reflection on the Baptism of the Lord.

One of the earliest descriptions of Baptism in our tradition is vitae spiritualis ianua, which means “the door to the spiritual life.”  To grasp the full meaning of this is to understand something decisive about Christianity. For Christianity is not primarily about “becoming a good person” or “doing the right thing.” Let’s face it, anyone—pagan, Muslim, Jew, nonbeliever—can be any of those things.

To be a Christian is to be grafted on to Christ and hence drawn into the very dynamics of the inner life of God. We don’t speak simply of following or imitating Jesus. We speak of becoming a member of his Mystical Body.

Do you see why it is so important that we are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”? For Baptism draws us into the relationship between the Father and the Son—which is to say, in the Holy Spirit. Baptism, therefore, is all about grace—our incorporation, through the power of God’s love, into God’s own life

His daily reflections are always concise, an easy read, but also provides lots to think about. You can sign up for his daily reflection emails here. Enjoy!