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Wisdom for Life Our Perspective is Defined by Our Expectations

"Every moment is a call to repentance! On this Third Sunday of Lent, Jesus reminds us that every event in life—good or bad—invites us to turn back to God Every Moment is a Call to Repentance: Bearing Fruit in God's Time In today’s Gospel, Jesus takes current events—tragic, shocking events—and turns them into a lesson about repentance. He reminds us that suffering is not always a punishment for sin, but every event in life, whether joyful or painful, carries a message from God. St. Clement of Rome once wrote: “Going over all the stages of history again, we will see that in each era the Lord has given a chance to repent to anyone who wanted to convert to him.” (Ad Corinthios, 7,5) The question before us today is not about why tragedies happen, but how we respond to them. God continuously calls us back to Him, and He gives us the time and grace to bear fruit. 1. The Call to Repentance in Everyday Events In the first part of today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about two tragic events: The Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices. The 18 people who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed. The common belief at the time was that these people must have been punished for their sins. But Jesus challenges this thinking and instead tells His listeners: "Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” (Luke 13:5) Jesus is not saying that suffering is meaningless. Instead, He is teaching us that every event in life—good or bad—is a moment to turn back to God. He is calling us to live every day as an opportunity for conversion because none of us knows the time or manner of our death. 2. The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree – A Second Chance To reinforce His point, Jesus gives us the parable of the barren fig tree: The fig tree represents the people of Israel—and by extension, all of us—who have been given everything needed to bear fruit. The vineyard represents God’s people. The owner of the vineyard is God, who expects fruitfulness from His creation. The vinedresser, pleading for more time, represents Jesus, who intercedes on our behalf, giving us time to repent and grow in holiness. Throughout the Old Testament, both the fig tree and the vineyard symbolize Israel when it fails to live up to God’s expectations (Jer 8:13; Joel 1:12). The fig tree appears healthy but is barren—just as the Temple in Jesus' time appeared to function properly but was spiritually empty. Jesus, as the vinedresser, asks for time, offering one last chance for conversion. But the warning remains: a time will come when opportunities run out. 3. The Responsibility to Bear Fruit While God is patient, He expects us to produce good works as evidence of our conversion. St. Columbanus teaches: “True love is more than good words: true love is good works.” (Instructiones, 11, 1-2) Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but actively changing our lives. A tree is judged by its fruit. So too, our faith must be visible in our actions. We bear fruit when we practice love, mercy, and justice, living according to God’s commandments. God does not desire the death of sinners but calls everyone to repentance (Ezekiel 33:11). However, grace must not be wasted—the time given to us is not infinite. We must use it wisely. 4. Practical Steps to Take This Lent Examine Our Hearts: Are we truly living as God’s children, or have we been spiritually complacent? Confession and Renewal: The sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful way to respond to God’s call. Acts of Love and Charity: Our love for God must be seen in how we treat others. Daily Conversion: Every day is a new opportunity to turn back to God. Do not delay. Conclusion: God, in His infinite mercy, gives us time and opportunities to repent. Every event in our lives is a message from Him, calling us to holiness. But let us not waste this time. The fig tree was given a second chance, but not an unlimited number of chances. Let us, therefore, respond today, bearing good fruit in our lives. May this Lenten season be a true time of conversion and renewal.

On this Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), we reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal Son—a story not just about one lost son, but two. One strays in reckless living, the other in self-righteousness. Yet, at the heart of it all is a father whose love and mercy know no bounds. The Merciful Father and the Call to Conversion On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, the Church invites us to rejoice as we journey toward Easter. But what is the source of our joy? It is the boundless mercy of our Heavenly Father, so powerfully illustrated in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) in today’s Gospel. Although the parable is commonly called The Prodigal Son, the true central figure of the story is the father, whose love and mercy extend to both of his sons. This parable is about two lost sons—one who is visibly lost and another who does not even realize his lostness. Both sons, in different ways, are distant from their father. It is a story that speaks to all of us, no matter where we are in our spiritual journey. Are we like the younger son, who strayed and now seeks to return? Or the elder son, who struggles with pride and self-righteousness? Above all, are we willing to imitate the father, whose mercy knows no bounds? 1. The Younger Son: A Journey from Sin to Conversion The younger son's story mirrors the experience of every sinner. He demands his inheritance, symbolically cutting himself off from his father, and squanders everything in reckless living. This "fascination of illusory freedom" leads him into extreme misery, culminating in the humiliation of tending swine—an image of spiritual destitution (Luke 15:13-15). Yet, conversion begins when he comes to his senses. He acknowledges not only his offense against his father but also against God (v. 18). This recognition of lost dignity marks the first step of repentance. As St. John Paul II noted in Dives in Misericordia, "At the center of the prodigal son's consciousness, the sense of lost dignity is emerging." True conversion is not just regret but a decision to return to the Father, seeking reconciliation. 2. The Father: The Image of Divine Mercy The father in this parable is unlike any earthly father. He does not wait for his son to arrive but runs to him—an undignified act for a man of his stature. His embrace and kisses precede the son’s confession, demonstrating unconditional love. More than just forgiving, he restores his son completely: the best robe (purity), the ring (authority), the sandals (freedom), and the fatted calf (celebration of new life). As John Paul II wrote, "The father of the prodigal son is faithful to his fatherhood, faithful to the love that he had always lavished on his son." God’s mercy is not mere tolerance; it is an active, joyful restoration. The return of the sinner is not met with grudging acceptance but with festivity. 3. The Older Son: A Warning Against Self-Righteousness While the parable begins with the younger son, it ends with the older one. His anger reveals a heart that, though physically close to the father, is spiritually distant. He sees himself as a servant, not a son, and resents his father’s mercy. Historically, he represents those who consider themselves righteous and resent God’s compassion toward sinners (Luke 18:9). John Paul II reminds us, "Every human being is also this elder brother." The older son’s attitude—his jealousy, hardness of heart, and blindness—mirrors the self-righteousness that can keep us from experiencing true joy. Just as the younger son needed to repent of his sins, the older son needed to repent of his pride and judgment. 4. The Open-Ended Invitation Unlike the younger son, whose story has a resolution, the elder son’s fate is left uncertain. Jesus deliberately leaves the ending open because it is not just a story—it is a question. Will the elder son recognize his lostness and join the celebration? Likewise, will we let go of pride, resentment, and judgment to accept God’s unconditional love? Conclusion: A Call to Conversion This parable is more than a tale of a wayward son; it is a mirror reflecting our own spiritual journeys. Whether we identify with the younger son who has wandered far or the elder son who believes he has stayed close, we are all called to conversion. The father’s invitation stands open: Come to the feast of mercy and rejoice in the love of God. Sunday Mass on 30 March 2025, 4th Sunday of Lent celebrated by Fr. Vincent Barboza at Holy Family Parish Church, Timaru, New Zealand

Discover powerful healing story of Tereza Worlikar A Miracle of Life: My Mother’s Journey of Survival and Faith A Life-Threatening Diagnosis My mother, Tereza Worlikar, underwent open-heart surgery for an aneurysm on January 28, 2022. The operation began at 11:00 AM and lasted until 4:30 PM. During the procedure, excessive bleeding posed a critical challenge, and the doctor estimated only a 5% chance of survival. To manage the bleeding, her chest was temporarily closed with roller gauze. The Power of Prayers In this dire moment, I turned to the Lord Almighty in prayer and sought intercession from a priest, nuns, and friends. Miraculously, at 11:30 PM, the bleeding stopped. The following morning, January 29, 2022, the doctor reopened her chest, removed the roller gauze, and delivered the incredible news: "Your mother has been saved by God." He went on to share that in his 30 years of surgical experience, this was only the second time a patient had survived when all hope seemed lost—a true miracle. Gratitude for a Second Chance By January 30, my mother, Tereza, was off the ventilator. Now, three years later, she is living a healthy and fulfilling life. We are profoundly grateful to God for this second chance He has given her. Vaibhav Worlikar (Son of Tereza Worlikar) Share your story If you are inspired by Vaibhav Worlikar mother's story, feel free to share your own story with us Email to us your story at: jy2025withvincent@gmail.com In this Jubilee Year let us share God's love and mercy by sharing our faith stories or God experiences Leave a comment below to share anything that inspired you about Tereza Worlikar's Testimony comments debug टिप्पणियां एक टिप्पणी लिखें एक टिप्पणी लिखें अपने विचार साझा करें टिप्पणी करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें।

Eucharist as Sacrifice The Eucharist is not only the real presence of Christ but also His supreme sacrifice made present to us. In every Mass, the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross is re-presented, not repeated, offering the faithful a direct participation in His redemptive act. This sacrificial dimension of the Eucharist is central to Catholic faith and worship. The Biblical Foundation of the Eucharistic Sacrifice The concept of sacrifice is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, God established a covenant with His people through sacrificial offerings, such as the Passover lamb (Exodus 12). These sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the new and eternal covenant, saying, "This is My Body, which is given for you... This is My Blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19-20). By these words, Christ united the Eucharist with His sacrifice on Calvary, making it clear that the Mass is a sacrificial offering. The Eucharist and the One Sacrifice of Christ The Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross, though offered in an unbloody manner. The Council of Trent affirmed that in the Holy Mass, "the same Christ who offered Himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the Cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner" (Session 22, Chapter 2). This means that the sacrifice of Christ is not repeated but made present at every Mass. This teaching is reflected in the words of St. Paul: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Eucharistic sacrifice allows believers to participate in Christ’s offering to the Father, uniting their prayers, sufferings, and lives with His perfect sacrifice. The Eucharist and the Church’s Sacrificial Offering The Eucharistic sacrifice is also the sacrifice of the Church. As the Body of Christ, the Church offers herself with Christ to the Father. This is why the priest, acting in the person of Christ, prays during the Mass: "Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father." The faithful, therefore, are called to offer their own sacrifices—prayers, sufferings, and good works—in union with Christ’s sacrifice in the Eucharist. The Transformative Power of the Eucharistic Sacrifice Receiving the Eucharist with faith strengthens believers to live sacrificially. Just as Christ gave Himself completely, those who partake in His Body and Blood are called to offer themselves in love and service to others. The Eucharist transforms hearts, calling the faithful to imitate Christ in their daily lives. St. Augustine beautifully expressed this when he said: "Be what you see; receive what you are" (Sermon 272). In other words, those who receive the Eucharist are called to become a living sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s love and self-giving. Conclusion The Eucharist is the supreme sacrifice of Christ, made present in the Holy Mass, allowing us to unite ourselves with His redemptive offering. It is not merely a remembrance but a real participation in the one, eternal sacrifice of the Cross. Through the Eucharist, we are strengthened to live sacrificially, imitating Christ’s love and bringing His presence into the world. As we approach the altar, let us do so with faith and reverence, offering our lives to God, just as Christ offered Himself for us.

Welcome to our Website! Explore inspiring Christian contents, faith-filled resources and engaging videos to uplift your spirit and guide you on your journey of faith. Discover hope, courage and joy of living a purpose driven life. Welcome to Fr. Vincent Barboza's Official Website Your journey of faith, enlightenment, and spiritual growth begins here. At frvincentbarboza.com, our mission is to inspire, educate, and guide you to live a Christ-centered life. Rooted in the call to be "the salt of the earth and light of the world" (Mt 5:13-16), this platform offers resources to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and enrich your spiritual journey. Explore Our Offerings: Weekly Sunday Reflections to inspire your faith journey. Stories of transformation and grace shared in the Testimonies section. Thought-provoking Articles and Blog posts on contemporary issues and timeless truths. Multimedia Content featuring videos and reflections to connect with messages of hope and faith. Engaging Q&A to address your questions about faith, theology, and Church teachings. Whether you are seeking answers, spiritual renewal, or a deeper connection with God, you’ll find valuable insights and resources here. Let’s journey together to bring meaning, purpose, and God’s light into your life. Join the Mission Stay connected through our reflections and resources. Explore, engage, and grow in faith today.

Discover why Catholics pray to saints and how this practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition. Learn about the communion of saints, their role as intercessors, and how asking for their prayers strengthens our faith and draws us closer to God. Why do Catholics pray to Saints? Is it biblical to ask the saints in heaven to pray for us? Catholics say yes, since we are all part of the communion of saints. As the word suggests, the communion of saints refers to the bond of unity among all believers, both living and dead, who are committed followers of Christ. In Christ, we are made part of God’s family (1 Tim 3:15), children of God (1 John 3:1), joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17), and partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4). This family communion of saints is known to Catholics as the Mystical Body of Christ. We are joined in a supernatural union as members of Christ’s own body, and thus as members of one another. Each of us participates in the divine life of Christ Himself. INTERCESSORY PRAYER What we have said about the communion of saints gives us the biblical reasons why Catholics ask the saints to intercede for them: (1) All Christians are members of Christ’s body and one another (Rom 12:5 and many others). (2) Jesus has only one body (Eph 4:4; Col 3:15). (3) Death cannot separate Christians from Christ or from one another (Rom 8:35-39). (4) Christians are bound in mutual love (Rom 12:10; 1 Thess 5:11; Gal 6:2). We are members of Christ’s one body, united in His divine life even beyond the grave, and concerned for each other’s salvation and growth in God’s family. In that union, we call for help and support from our older brothers and sisters who have already won their crown of glory. Just as in our human families we naturally turn to our siblings for aid and example, how much more should we turn to our supernatural family for help and inspiration. Several objections are directed against the Catholic position on intercessory prayer. OBJECTION 1: The saints are dead. Catholics practice necromancy, communication with the dead, which is condemned (Dt 18:10-11). Answer: Necromancy means summoning forth spirits from the shadowy underworld (OT “Sheol”), in order to converse with them. By asking the saints in heaven to intercede for us, Catholics are not conjuring roaming spirits or communicating in any “spiritualistic” way. So prayer to the saints has nothing to do with necromancy. Nor are the saints dead. The saints in heaven are alive and with God: “He is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Mk 12:26-27). In Mark 9:4, Jesus is seen conversing with Elijah and Moses. Jesus tells the Good Thief: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23:43). In fact, the saints in heaven are more alive than we are. They are free from all sin. They enjoy the fullness of God’s life-giving presence. Flooded with God’s love, they care more about us now than they did on earth. Just as Paul asked fellow believers (saints) to pray for him (Rom 15:30; Co14:3; 1 Thess 5:25; Eph 6:18-19; 2 Thess 3:1), now we can ask Paul and the other saints in heaven to pray for us. We are not cut off from each other at death, rather we are brought closer through the communion we share in Christ. We know that angels and saints place the prayers of the holy ones at God’s feet (Tob 12:12; Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3-4), supporting those prayers with their intercessions. The martyrs underneath the heavenly altar cry out for earthly vindication (Rev 6:9-11), showing they are aware of, and concerned with, earthly affairs. The angels and saints in heaven will intercede for us before the throne of God if they are petitioned in prayer. OBJECTION 2: 1 Tim 2:5 says there is one mediator between God and man. Isn’t prayer to the saints in violation of 1 Tim 2:5? Answer: I Tim 2:5 must be understood in the light of 1 Peter 2:5: “let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” St. Peter says that Christians share in the one, eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is mediator between God and man because of His priesthood. Therefore, to share in Christ’s priesthood means to share in His mediatorship, both in heaven and on earth. 1 Tim 2:5 confirms that we share in Christ’s mediation, when we read it in context. In verses 1-7, St. Paul asks Christians to participate in Christ’s unique mediation by offering prayers and intercessions for all men: “this is good and pleasing to God.” We are called to unite ourselves to the one mediator Christ, “who gave himself as a ransom for all,” by praying for all men, through Christ. Because Christians share in the priesthood of Christ, we share in a lesser and dependent way in His unique mediation, interceding for all men. Fellow Christians on earth intercede for each other in prayer without contradicting the unique mediation of Jesus Christ. Likewise, there is no contradiction of I Tim 2:5 if the saints in heaven intercede for us with their prayers. All prayer, whether in heaven or on earth, is in Christ and through Christ, our one mediator and high priest. The principle is this: although God alone possesses all perfections, we can participate in God’s perfections by sharing in His divine life. For example, the Bible says only God is good (Mk 10:18). Yet we can share in that absolute Goodness: “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:23). Jesus shares many of His unique roles with Christians in lesser ways. Jesus is the Creator of all things (Jn 1:3; Col 1:16-17), and yet He shares this role with men and women in procreation. Jesus is the only Shepherd (Jn 10:11-16), yet He delegates his role to St. Peter (Jn 21:1546) and later to others (Eph 4:11). Jesus is the eternal High Priest, mediating His once-for-all sacrifice for our redemption (Heb 3:1, 7:24, 9:12. 10:12), and yet Christians are also ca1led to join in Christ’s priesthood, as we have seen (1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6, 5:10). Obviously, Christ is the unique and primary Creator, Shepherd, and Priest, but each Christian participates in these roles in subordinate ways. By sharing Christ’s divine life, Christians also share in Christ’s role as the only mediator. OBJECTION 3: The saints in heaven can’t hear us. Answer: Why not? Aren’t they more alive now than when they were with us? The medium of communication is Christ himself - the vine between the branches. We and the saints form one communion, one body of Christ, being members of Him and members of one another. Heb 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded by “a cloud of witnesses.” How could those watching be unconcerned about our welfare? Look at Rev 5:8 and Rev 8:3. The petitions offered as incense to God must be for those who still need help, the holy ones on earth. They are offered by those who can help the most, the holy ones in heaven. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk 16:19-30), the departed rich man is able to pray to Abraham and intercede for his brothers. This implies that there can be communication across the abyss, and that fraternal charity extends beyond the grave. We are certain that the saints in heaven enjoy the face to face vision of God (1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Jn 3:2). It is in this vision that they are aware of our prayers to them. OBJECTION 4: How can saints hear all these prayers, from all different people, all the time? It must sound like a deafening babble. Answer: Heaven has no space or time. Everything appears to God as one eternal present. Like God, the saints are outside of the limitations of space and time. Our earthly way of knowing is limited and incomplete. “At present, we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then 1 shall know fully, as 1 am fully known” (1 Cor 13:12). Our heavenly way of knowing is full and perfect.

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Vatican and the Holy Father. This page brings you breaking news, official statements, and in-depth coverage of Pope Francis' teachings, travels, and health updates. Explore key developments in the Catholic Church, insights from Vatican officials, and global events shaping the faith. Whether it's papal addresses, Church decisions, or inspiring moments of spiritual leadership, you’ll find reliable and up-to-date news here. Power of the Rosary Austrian psychiatrist and psychotherapist Christian Spaemann reveals how the rhythmic, meditative prayer of the Rosary promotes calm, emotional regulation, and a sense of inner peace. Pope Leo's Third General Audience Catechesis on the Parable of the Vinedressers Pope Leo's Second General Audience The Parable of the Good Samaritan Pope Leo XIV's First General Audience Message His Message on the Parable of the Sower Inter-religious dialogue Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Fraternity in First Interreligious Audience Pope Leo Appoints first Woman Pope Leo XIV appoints Sr. Tiziana Merletti to Key Vatican Leadership Role Increase in searches for 'How to become Catholic' Online Searches for 'How to become Catholic" surges after Pope Francis' Death Pope Leo Pope Leo XIV's digital debut A Familar Shepherd His visit to India Show More

Evangelization is at the heart of our mission! I and my team conduct courses to train and equip people to share the Gospel effectively. As Jesus said, 'Go into the world and proclaim the Good News.' Join us in spreading the message of faith, hope, and salvation Evangelizati on Fr. Vincent Barboza conducts a training programme in Evangelisation. He and his team of Bishop, Priest and laypeople have trained Catholics in Evangelisation. He was trained at National Centre for Proclamation which is under Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Commission for Proclamation, at Pachmarhi, Hosangabad District, Madhya Pradesh. FAITH RECEIVED ULTIMATELY TO BE SHARED Two by Two: Marriage and Family on Mission Training the 72: Formation Before Mission

Discover the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, a sacred rite of healing and grace. Learn its significance, who can receive it, how it brings spiritual and physical strength, and its role in offering comfort and peace through God’s mercy Anointing of the Sick Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction, is a sacrament that is administered to give strength and comfort to the ill and to mystically unite their suffering with that of Christ during his Passion and death. This sacrament can be given to those who are afflicted with serious illness or injury, those who are awaiting surgery , the weakened elderly, or to ill children who are old enough to understand its significance. A person can receive the sacrament as many times as needed throughout their life, and a person with a chronic illness might be anointed again if the disease worsens. The rite can be performed in a home or hospital by a priest , who prays over the person and anoints their head and hands with chrism (holy oil). The priest may also administer the sacrament of the Eucharist if the person has been unable to receive it and can hear a confession if so desired. If a person is at the point of death, the priest also administers a special Apostolic blessing in what is known as the Last Rites. Why Call a Priest Early for Someone Who Is Critically Ill? When a loved one is critically ill or near death, it is essential to call a priest without delay. Our Lord, in His infinite mercy, has provided a special sacrament for this stage of life—the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament offers spiritual strength, healing, and peace to those who are seriously ill or in danger of death. Often, families wait until the last possible moment, hoping for medical recovery. While we trust in the skills of doctors, there comes a point when medicine can do no more. At such a time, delaying the call to a priest may deprive the sick person of the powerful graces that this sacrament bestows. Through the Anointing of the Sick , the person receives: ✅ Union with the Passion of Christ – Their suffering is united with Christ’s suffering, giving it spiritual meaning and redemptive value. ✅ Strength to Endure Illness or Old Age – The sacrament grants divine grace to bear suffering with courage and peace. ✅ Forgiveness of Sins – If the person is unable to confess, this sacrament brings reconciliation with God. ✅ Restoration of Health – If it is God’s will, this sacrament can bring physical healing. ✅ Preparation for Eternal Life – For those near death, it provides peace and readiness to meet the Lord. Calling a priest early ensures that the sick person receives these graces with full awareness and in a peaceful state. Let us not wait until it is too late—this sacrament is a gift of love, mercy, and hope, meant to be received in faith and trust.

Learn about the significance of baptism and its role in the Christian faith. Explore its meaning, purpose, and spiritual importance as a sacrament of initiation and a step toward a life of faith. What is Baptism? Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and it is the sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. In Catholicism the baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptized children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive the sacrament. A person is to be baptized only once in their life, and the Catholic Church recognizes baptisms done by other mainline Christian Churches as valid. In the rite of baptism holy water is usually sprinkled or poured on the head by a priest who simultaneously invokes the Trinity with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The old self is said to die in the waters, and a new self emerges, mirroring the death and resurrection of Christ. Given that the sacrament is understood as a requirement for salvation , anyone, even non-baptized persons, can baptize someone as the situation requires. Infant Baptism To get your child baptised the couple have to undergo Pre-Baptism Catechesis if it is the first child. They have to register in the Parish Office, preferably in the early months of pregnancy. It is an ancient custom and also a requirement of Church law that each new Christian have at least one sponsor, traditionally called a godparent, who together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor have to be practising Catholic who alongwith parents also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations” of this new life. (Code of Canon Law, 872). The Catechesis is also for the God-parents. Adult Baptism Following the spread of Christianity in the first few generations after the resurrection of Jesus, the Catholic Church developed a process to prepare adults for entry into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion (Eucharist). Today, the Church calls this process the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. Through this process, those who express interest in becoming Catholic are welcomed into a special community within the parish to learn about the teachings of Jesus and his Church. To get more information about Adult Baptism meet the priest of the parish. Catholic Church has two ways of administering the Baptism: Infant and Adult Baptism and both are valid. There are also in the Catholic Church Baptism by immersion and Baptism by pouring.

Victory in the Wilderness: Jesus, the New Adam ✝️ As we enter Lent, we reflect on Jesus' triumph over temptation in the wilderness—a victory that reverses Adam’s failure. Where the first Adam fell, Christ, the New Adam, stood firm, paving the way for our redemption. His example teaches us how to resist temptation through prayer, fasting, and trust in God. Victory in the Wilderness: Jesus, the New Adam As we begin our Lenten journey, the Gospel for today invites us into the wilderness, where Jesus fasts and is tempted by the devil. This moment marks the beginning of His mission as the Saviour of the world. The wilderness, both a geographical location and a symbol of testing, is the place where Israel once failed but where Jesus triumphs. While Moses and the Israelites succumbed to temptation in the desert, Jesus emerges victorious, undoing the failure of humanity and inaugurating a renewed creation. This victory is also deeply connected to Adam, the first man. In the Book of Genesis, Adam was tempted in the Garden of Eden, surrounded by abundance, and yet he failed by giving in to Satan’s deception. In contrast, Jesus, the New Adam, faces temptation in the desolation of the wilderness, yet He remains faithful to God. Where Adam's disobedience led to the fall of humanity, Christ’s obedience paves the way for redemption. As St. Ambrose reflects, "As the first Adam was cast out of paradise and driven out into the wilderness, the second Adam came out of the wilderness and entered paradise. The damage is repaired by walking back over the same steps, and the divine order is restored by the return to origins." The First Temptation of Jesus The temptations of Christ are not random trials but direct challenges to His identity and mission. The first temptation appeals to the flesh: "Turn these stones into bread." The devil seeks to undermine Jesus’ trust in the Father by urging Him to use His divine power for His own needs. But Jesus responds with the Word of God: "Man shall not live by bread alone." This reminds us that our deepest hunger is not physical but spiritual, and only God can satisfy the longings of the human heart. The Second Temptation of Jesus The second temptation offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship of Satan. This is a test of power. The devil proposes an easier path—one without the Cross. But Jesus refuses to compromise. True kingship comes not from dominion but from obedience to God. He declares, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve." Third Temptation of Jesus The third temptation takes place at the pinnacle of the Temple. The devil urges Jesus to throw Himself down, suggesting that God will surely save Him. This is the temptation of presumption—demanding that God act on our terms. Jesus rebukes the devil: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." Faith is not about manipulating God but surrendering to His will. Luke presents these temptations in an order that culminates in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus will complete His mission. The battle does not end in the desert; the devil will return at an "opportune time." That moment comes in the Passion, where Christ, through obedience unto death, wins the definitive victory over sin and Satan. Lessons for Our Lenten Journey What does this passage teach us today? First, it reminds us that temptation is part of the Christian journey. Jesus was tempted, but He overcame by standing firm in God's Word. This is our weapon too. Second, it shows us that the devil always offers shortcuts—comfort without sacrifice, power without servanthood, glory without the Cross. But Jesus teaches us that true victory comes through faithfulness, not compromise. Finally, the passage calls us to rely on prayer and fasting. Jesus fasted for forty days, showing us that spiritual discipline strengthens us against the enemy. As we enter Lent, let us follow Jesus into the wilderness—not in fear but in faith. With Him, we can overcome temptation. With Him, we can triumph over sin. And with Him, we will one day enter the true Promised Land—the eternal paradise of God. Amen.