The Baptism of the Lord
Every
Catholic has the call for justice. Every Catholic, by virtue of their
baptism, has a fundamental moral responsibility to give God and their
neighbors what is due to them.
Isaiah 42:1 Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased. Upon him I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations.
Through baptism, Catholics receive the call and grace to obey; a
sincere obedience to this call, lived through a fundamental Catholic
life, opens the door to becoming God's chosen, beginning a process of
union with Christ that brings forth justice for the nations.
Isaiah 42:6 I, the LORD, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit infuses the soul with sanctifying grace, a divine life that makes a person holy, removes sin (original and personal), and enables them to live a new life in Christ as adopted children of God, becoming members of the Church. This infusion brings the theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety (Reverence), and Fear of the Lord (Awe), allowing for a deeper relationship with God and the ability to grow in holiness.
Catholic baptism plants the 'imperishable seed' of the Kingdom of heaven. This 'imperishable seed' is the indwelling presence of the Holy Trinity: love of the Father, grace of the Son, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
'Hail Mary, full of grace'. For the Kingdom of Heaven to grow, the
presence of grace in a person must also grow; the more grace grows, the
lower the occupancy of sin becomes. Obedience to the will of the Father
is the basis for growth in grace, while disobedience causes growth in
sin.
The simplest method to progress through all stages of growth in the
Kingdom of Heaven and enjoy the Fruits of each stage is by reciting four Rosaries each day and reflecting on all the mysteries of Christ and Mary.
Growing in grace means growing in union with Jesus, and the Eucharist is central as the 'source and summit' of Christian life, where He is truly present
to nourish faith, strengthen love, and unite believers with Christ and
the Church, making it the highest point and origin of spiritual life.
Receiving the Eucharist deepens this relationship, bringing God's life
to transform us.
The heart is like an empty space where grace or sin can grow unchecked.
Sin enters through original sin, but baptism provides Sanctifying grace as a first
deposit, allowing the Holy Spirit entry.
The heart is seen as the core of a person, capable of being filled by sin or grace influences.
Humanity inherits a fallen nature, a tendency towards sin that occupies the heart's space.
Through
baptism, Sanctifying Grace isn't just an external force but a spiritual reality
planted within, acting as the first deposit or down payment of God's
presence, allowing the Holy Spirit access.
A key aspect of a Fundamental Catholic life is understanding actual grace for everyday blessings. As
you receive more blessings, you gain a deeper understanding of their
source. Ultimately, you come to realize that nothing matters; only
blessing matters. This understanding of actual grace opens the door for purgation, facilitating a deeper union with Christ.
Living a fundamental Catholic life is based in culture and social
activities and requires resisting worldly temptations and pressures.
This experience is regarded as a spiritual struggle that demands
discipline, prayer, and participation in sacraments. It stresses the
importance of making intentional choices to follow Christ's teachings
instead of secular values, placing eternal life above temporary
pleasures, and is often described as walking a "narrow path." Daily
distractions can divert individuals from Christ.