Today, we solemnly celebrate the feast of “The Baptism of the Lord.” Up until yesterday, we celebrated an 'infant Jesus.' From today on, we celebrate an 'adult Jesus.' Therefore, today's celebration marks the
transition from the liturgical season of Christmas into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time.
 
One may wonder, even find it difficult to understand, and may ask the question: 'Why did Jesus need to be baptized by John the
Baptist in the first place?' 
For two reasons:
First, Jesus did it to show his unity and solidarity with the human race, which he came to save. Secondly, he did it to sanctify the
water of baptism, so that our sins are washed away, and we come
to a state of grace to follow him.
 
Jesus' baptism serves as a model for our baptism. For Jesus,
baptism represents the beginning of his ministry. Our baptism is linked with that of Jesus. With baptism our new life of grace begins; it is a fresh start and the gateway to the rest of Christian life. What we should be prepared for is that our journey of faith, much like
Jesus' journey, continues to unfold long after our baptism as we try to discern what our baptism means in our daily living.
 
Today, we celebrate the feast of “The Baptism of the Lord” by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. And in so doing, the Church invites all of us to renew our own baptismal promises, so that we can live ever more
transparently as a disciple of Jesus, trying to do what is right, and true, and good, and beautiful.
 
Episcopal Ordination
This Tuesday, Bishop Zubik will ordain me to the Episcopacy. Pope Francis has assigned me as Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, to assist Bishop Zubik in his ministry as Shepherd to the Faithful of our Diocese. At the same
time, I will remain as Pastor of Resurrection Parish. I ask for your continued prayers as I begin this new stage
in my ministry.
 
To assist in the needs of the parish, Bishop Zubik has appointed Father Michael Ackerman as Senior Parochial Vicar to Resurrection Parish. Fr. Mike, who is full of energy and is a very gifted priest, will begin at the parish on Monday, January 17th. As you have so graciously done in the past with other clergy, please welcome Fr. Mike and make him feel at home!