The Family Reunion

by Dcn. Mark Lishko  |  01/10/2026  |  Sunday Written Reflection

Jesus approaches John to be baptized.  John the Baptist pauses asking if it should be the other way around. Jesus reassures him that this is the right thing to do. As Jesus comes up from the water, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, rests upon Him. His heavenly Father speaks, “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 

Jesus gives us an example to follow. Baptism is the entry way into heaven by washing away original sin—which blocks our entrance. The waters of Baptism become a means for the Holy Spirit to begin work in us, forming us into saints if we cooperate with God’s grace.

We receive our identity at our Baptism; we become children of God. This is our principal identity, a unique and unrepeatable, beloved son or daughter. It never changes, even if we mess up, and no one can ever take that from us.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31

The world may shift and change, but our identity as children of God, will never change.  The voice of God speaks at our Baptism too, saying; you are mine, beloved and part of my family. This translates, God has our backs, and all of heaven is family. Do you realize there is an incalculable number of brothers and sisters in heaven all willing to pray and anxiously waiting to assist you? Now that’s family power!

Baptism matters. This is why we baptize our children and those entering the Church. We all become one family of God and eternity awaits us. All that is necessary is to live by the family rules in love.

Hope to see you at THE FAMILY REUNION, in heaven.