Church of the
Annunciation

They made a threesome – Peter, James and John. They were present at critical moments during the public ministry of Jesus. We can better understand why they would ask Jesus for a special place when Jesus comes into his glory. Jesus asks the brothers if they can be baptized with the baptism that he is baptized and to drink from the cup that he will drink. James and John respond: “Yes.” Indeed they will. “Baptize” in Greek means “to be dipped.” Jesus is asking James and John if they can be dipped in the life that he will be submerged. It is a good question for us? Today at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict canonized a number of saints including 2 with local connections: St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Marianne Cope. Kateri is the first Native American to be canonized. After her baptism she lived a simple life of prayer, devotion before the Blessed Sacrament, teaching children their prayers and caring for the sick and elderly. Mother Marianne and her Franciscan Sisters joined Fr. Damien on the Island of Molokai caring for lepers. How will we be dipped into the very life and mission of Jesus? “Passports” suited to different stations in life are available in the sanctuary. Pope Benedict says during the Year of Faith we can pass through the door of faith (our baptism) and rediscover our Catholic faith and renew our friendship with Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity (like Kateri and Marianne) to intensify our witness of charity.