January 14, 2013
(Romereports.com) Despite the cold and rainy weather, thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to hear the Pope's Angelus. From his studio window, the Pope reflected on the day Jesus himself was baptized.
BENEDICT XVI
“But why did Jesus, in whom there was no shadow of sin, go to be baptized by John? Because he wanted to make that gesture of penance and conversion.”
Just minutes before Sunday's Angelus, the Pope actually baptized 20 babies at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, to mark the Feast Day of Jesus' Baptism.
The Pope said that through the Lord's baptism, there's a great example of humility and responsibility.
BENEDICT XVI
“Being Christian means living like this, but this kind of life involves a rebirth: reborn from above, from God, by grace.”
To follow this example, Benedict XVI encouraged everyone to reflect on their own Baptism, so they may strengthen their relationship with Jesus and renew their spiritual life.
BENEDICT XVI
“May we be renewed in our own Baptism and strengthened in witness to the Gospel and its promises!”
The Pope also explained that just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, Christians must also be open to welcome and recognize this grace in their own lives.
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