We were baptized.

On that day we became a child of God. God’s favor rested upon us.

But there is more to Baptism.

When were baptized, we were initiated into a community of believers.
We were born again into a larger family consisting of all those who have been baptized.

We were also given a mission.

That’s right, a mission. We are not just baptized to watch - - to be passive members of God’s family.

No, we have a mission. (That’s right! This is normal Christian living.)

Jesus’ own baptism illustrates this life of grace.

We are called to love.

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus begins His public ministry - -  a ministry that eventually took Him to the cross and then the Resurrection.

He didn’t get baptized and not do anything afterwards.

His faith as a human grew.

He lived, taught, and worked for justice - - for what was right, for what was true.

He shared all He had.

This, too, is the mission we are called to live.

As children of God - -  as a sister or brother of Christ - -  we are called to bring forth justice, each in our own way . . .

We are called to grow . . . to be an active member of the Body of Christ.

That is why at the end of Mass we have the saying, “The Mass is ended. Let us go in the peace of Christ.”

Go and do what? Sit at home? . . . Do nothing?

No - - - go and do your part in building God’s Kingdom.

Go and live as the child of God that you are.

Otherwise, these are just words written in a book.