Rejoice and be Glad

In the Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be Glad) Pope Francis reminds us that our union with Christ “entails reproducing in our own lives various aspects of Jesus’ earthly life: his life in community, his closeness to the outcast, his poverty and other ways in which he showed his self-sacrificing love.” 

Baptism invites us to mirror Christ with our lives. Baptism also invites us to defend the dignity of every child of God. Baptism compels us to express goodwill toward everyone—especially the poor and vulnerable. Baptism calls each of us to strive to live a life of holiness. 

To each of us who were Baptized in Christ, and to all those whose Baptismal initiation we witness, Pope Francis reminds us that we have a commitment with Christ, “identification with Christ and [the will of Christ] involves a commitment to build with him that kingdom of love, justice, and universal peace.”

Whether the given circumstances of the world, the Church, and our immediate realities may make us question what our mission is, this Sunday is the perfect time for us to reflect on our Baptismal call: “To keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour” (Rite of Baptism for Children, p. 70)

Renewed in Christ, live out your Baptismal promises, profess your faith in God, and spread the Gospel; for in Baptism we become children of God, therefore, we are heirs of His Kingdom.