WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?
Dear Parishioners,
My Shepherd’s Corner comes largerly from Theresa from our 9:30am Mass preparation and Family Committee Team.
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27-28
A constant theme we have heard through the Epiphany season has been that through Baptism we are “clothed” in Christ.
At baptism in the Maronite Church are reminded of this every time a child is baptized. The child is put into new white clothes symbolizing that the child has accepted the new clothing of Christ.
Through Baptism, no matter who we are, what race or gender we belong to, how much money we have or what we do for work, we all receive the same glorious robe, the robe of Christ. Baptism gives us all, no matter our position, the spiritual clothing that will lead to salvation. Unlike designer clothing, it will not go out of fashion and we will not need to change it with the trend next year. We always need to remember that we are wearing Christ. By wearing Christ we receive holiness and joy and we can inspire others around us to receive that same joy.
So in this Epiphany season let us reflect on our own Baptism and always remember that through baptism we wear Christ. Through our actions, by attending Mass, being involved in our Parish, focusing on prayer, living in accordance with Christ’s teachings, and by showing love and compassion to others we can serve as a reminder to those around us that through Baptism they are also clothed in Christ.
Thanks Theresa, very well explained.
I would add that how we dress everywhere in community and especially in gathering at Church as members of God’s Family around the Lord’s Table at Eucharist and for Baptisms and Weddings that this should reflect all the values, including modesty, that we are clothed spiritually with Christ.
This value of personal modesty reflects the truth of the beautiful spiritual dignity of every person and that we don’t want to cause anyone to be distracted while at these most wonderful, Grace-filled and Sacred celebrations at Church.
Sometimes in the hot weather this means some personal sacrifice in comfort, not following fashion trends for the good of others in my parish family.
And especially to the younger members of our parish family, remember nothing can outshine a heart clothed in Christ and shining out to others through your eyes and face.
