We consider St Augustine's sermon on the words of St John the Baptist - "I did not know him." The Baptist clearly knew who Jesus was, and that he is Messiah and God - but what he learned was that Jesus is always the minister of baptism. Whoever baptizes, it is always Christ who baptizes - and this is why the power of the sacraments is not determined by the holiness of the particular human minister.
Listen online [here]!
The feast of our Lord's baptism concludes the official liturgical Christmas season. Furthermore, Jesus' baptism has always been associated with the Epiphany to the Magi. Why is this event (from 30 years later in our Lord's life) connected so closely to Christmas?
We give a few of the many reasons: Jesus' baptism is a second Epiphany and actually happened on the same day (January 6th) thirty years later; Jesus was born at Christmas so that we might be reborn in baptism; and our baptism unites us to the Lord in such a way that the mysteries of his life are lived within us each year.
Listen online [here]!
The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh show the faith of the magi in Jesus as King, God, and Priest (and victim to be offered in sacrifice).
We also speak of an interesting poem by T.S. Eliot - Journey of the Magi. (Posted below)
Listen online [here]!
An explanation of the history of the use of the term "co-redemptrix and mediatrix. We consider the level of authority that the new Vatican document (Mater Populi Fidelis) has - and also the strong emphasis which it places on the role of Mary and the importance of Marian devotion.
While the new document discourages the use of these terms, numerous popes and saints have used them - furthermore, the Second Vatican Council calls Mary our "mediatrix" (though not using the term "mediatrix of all graces").
However, even if there are many saints and great theologians who have used the term co-redemptrix, it would not be proper to question the orthodoxy or devotion of those who question or even oppose the use of these terms.
Listen online [here ]!