Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Deva SVD
Monday 2nd Week of Easter
Introduction
A young priest once went to preach in prison. Nervous under the hardened stares of the inmates, he stumbled on the steps and fell flat on his face. The prisoners roared with laughter. Rising quickly, the priest laughed with them and said: “Men, that’s exactly why I came here today — to show you that a man can stand up again after he has fallen.”
Rebirth in Christ
Being reborn is not about external signs — attending daily Mass, praying novenas, or wearing crosses as jewelry. True rebirth is, as Jesus told Nicodemus: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). It is opening every chamber of our spirit to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to renew us.
St. Paul reminds us: “The grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11–12). This is the life of the baptized — a life transformed by grace.
The Gift of Baptism
Baptism is an incredible gift, but a gift unused is wasted. A watch kept in a drawer is useless; it must be worn. Likewise, Baptism must be lived daily. If we leave it “in the closet,” it will not shape our lives. The gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2) — are meant to be unwrapped and used.
Conclusion
Let us ask: Are the gifts of the Spirit gathering dust in our hearts? Have we unwrapped them? Baptism is our rebirth into eternal life. Let us thank God for this gift by living it fully — standing up again after every fall, and using our lives for His glory and our salvation.
“Lord, thank You for the gift of Baptism. Help me unwrap it daily and live as Your child.”
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