seasons of motherhood | pray the rosary | Behold Your Mother
Today we will pray the First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Christ.
Jesus, who had no need of baptism, nevertheless went to John the Baptist to be baptized with water because it was “fitting … to fulfill all righteousness.” After He was baptized, the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove and “a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:15-17).
Unlike Jesus, who was without sin, all of us are in need of baptism. Through Baptism, we are cleansed of original sin, receive the gift of faith, and become adopted children of God. In most cases, our parents and godparents spoke for us at our Baptism, promising to raise us in the Catholic faith (or Christian faith if you were baptized in a different denomination). When you present your own child for Baptism, you, too, will make that promise to teach the Catholic faith and raise that child to believe in God. It is a huge responsibility, one that is to be taken seriously, and one which is a challenge in our secular world which so often looks down on faith. It is easy to feel overwhelmed with the task. In those moments of parenting doubt, it is important to remember that you are not alone.
We are part of a communion of believers. You can call on Our Blessed Mother, saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and our fellow Catholics here on earth to join with you in prayer for your children. Most importantly, you can call on God to assist you in your task. God the Father proclaimed Jesus as His Son at His baptism. God claims your child as well at Baptism. Your child always belongs to God first. He created your child and loves your child with an eternal love. Rest in that truth always.
The writers of Catholic Mom enthusiastically gathered to share meditations on each Mystery of the Rosary in a special way for pregnant mothers. We invite you to join us throughout the month of May as we pray together each day, and to share these reflections with other moms who will enjoy them.
