Cannon Ball!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes I get upset with photographers. Whether they are professionals or folks who just love to snap pix I think they get in the way sometimes. I am very sympathetic to the stars and sports celebrities who get upset with the paparazzi always sticking a camera where it need not be.

One of the places that it seems that photographers take over is at weddings. I think they think that the wedding is about the pictures. Most churches including our own have "rules" for photographers at weddings mainly to keep them and everyone else at the wedding focused on the "wedding" that is going on.

Marriage, Communion, Reconciliation, Baptism, Confirmation, Healing, priesthood, religious life are all important Sacraments and/or commitments. Sometimes though the ritual of the commitment or Sacrament becomes more important than the Sacrament or commitment.

My point here is that commitments and Sacraments are meant to be lived. I know a lot of people who come to Mass to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. But when they get in the parking lot or the grocery store the Body or Blood of Christ is not evident by their actions. I could go down the line with all of the Sacraments and our other religious commitments. We like to feel the warm waters of Baptism, and be inspired or consoled in the pew. But are we willing to live what we have just received and be who God calls us to be.

On Sunday January 10th we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord Jesus. After His Baptism Jesus began the work and preaching of His ministry. It eventually led to His total commitment to God and us on Calvary. Where He has gone we are called to follow.

paz,
Fr. Chuck