Baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire In the Gospels, John said to the people: I baptize you with water, but one mightier than I is coming… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (cf. Luke 3:16). What does it mean that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire? Jesus will baptize through the Holy Spirit with a spiritual fire that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies (CCC 1227); it is a baptism which also illumines,…
Timeline of the Infancy Narratives: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the visit of the shepherds. (Luke 2:1-20) After 40 days, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for His presentation. (Luke 2:22-38) The Magi searched for the newborn King of the Jews and found Jesus with Mary in a house in Bethlehem. (Matthew 2:1-12) Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt with the infant Jesus. (Matthew 2:13-14) Herod ordered the murder of all male children…
My Father’s House Mary and Joseph spent three days looking for the twelve-year old Jesus whom they thought was lost. After they found Him in the temple, Mary said to Jesus, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49) Jesus’ response is a revelation…
The candle of the Fourth Sunday of Advent is called the Angel’s candle, which symbolizes PEACE. At the birth of Christ the Lord, suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14) At a time when there was a lot of oppression and civil unrest in the Roman province of Judaea, the angels announced the birth of the…
The candle of the Third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, symbolizes JOY. The third candle is called the Shepherd’s Candle. At the birth of Christ the Lord, an angel appeared to the shepherds and said: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this…
The candle of the Second Sunday of Advent is called the Bethlehem Candle, which symbolizes FAITH. The prophet Micah foretold that Christ the Lord would be born in Bethlehem: “But you, O Bethlehem-Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2) This prophecy came to pass when Mary and Joseph journeyed to…
The candle of the First Sunday of Advent is called the Prophet’s Candle, which symbolizes HOPE. The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Christ the Lord: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) This prophecy gave hope to a people who have been longing for a Messiah. For Christians, this prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came into…
Quas Primas (In the First) Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.Do you see the crown that Jesus is wearing and the scepter in His hands? This picture of Jesus shows us that Jesus Christ is not only our King, but also the King of the entire universe. Do you also see the heart of Jesus in this picture? The burning fire in the heart of Jesus represents the burning love of Jesus for…
The Final Coming of Christ Towards the latter part of Jesus’ ministry, after He and His disciples had reached Jerusalem, Jesus foretold His final coming to His disciples (Matthew 24:29-35; Mark 13:24-31; Luke 21:25-33). Some people call this final coming the Second Coming of Christ; others call it the Day of Judgment. Whichever it is called, the Gospels tell us that it will be accompanied by cataclysmic events: the sun and moon will no longer give light, the nations on…