In today's first reading from the Book of Exodus, we hear the account of Moses parting the Red Sea so that the children of Israel can escape pharaoh, who wanted to enslave them once again. We are reminded of God's saving grace when we receive the Sacrament of Baptism because, in the waters of Baptism, we are cleansed of Origin Sin (and, for those baptized later in life, temporal sins) and reborn into newness of life in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Therefore, when we come to Mass, we touch our fingers into holy water and make the sign of the cross to remind us of God's saving grace.
I love what Moses told the people, saying: "Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory of the Lord will win for you today." In times when we are faced with temptation and sin, it is good to make the sign of the cross (with or without holy water) and pray to God for the courage, strength, and grace to overcome temptation and sin. When we do this, we will hear Jesus tell us not to be afraid because he has conquered the world, reminding us that he is at our side to fight for us, lead us, and even carry us when needed.
The sign of the cross reminds us of how "the Son of Man [was] in the heart of the earth three days and three nights" for our salvation, and gives us hope that we are constantly renewed each and every day of our lives, as beloved sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, to live life anew in Christ.
Therefore, dearest goddaughter, while you may not remember your baptism, you can still make the sign of the cross and be reminded that you are a beloved daughter of God, ransomed by the Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the Cross. When you do, you will discover the graces of the Sacrament of Baptism in you to help to live a faithful life in Christ.
Love,
Bỏ Phúc
P.S. These are the readings for the day: Ex 14:5-18 and Mt 12:38-42.
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