Many times, we think “if only I could be more… or do more…”, I would be able to claim my
Christianity. But if we really believe what happens at our Baptism, that we become
children of God and that God dwells within us, then it is not about being more or doing
more as such, it is about realizing what we already have. It’s about letting the gifts of the
Holy Spirit, which we already have in “seed form”, take root, grow, and blossom in us.
When times get tough, we can call on our inner peace, our inner courage, our inner
patience, our inner reverence for God. We can activate the gifts we have been given that
have lied dormant. The God who is the source of this inner life is with us and will help us
bring to life all that he has promised: “I have come that they might have life and have it
more abundantly.” This does not mean that we have no part to play. What it does mean
is that we do not have to start at ground zero. We do have to nourish what we have been
given, by daily relying on our faith and by bringing it to fruition by our actions. We
become transfigured by God’s love for us. We’ve got it; now we need to live it.
• Was your Baptism an event that happened in the past or is it relevant for you
today?
• What does it mean to know that God is dwelling in you?
• How are the graces of your Baptism manifested in your life?
O God, help me activate today what was given to me at my Baptism.