The Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, has urged Christians to live out their baptism with humility, obedience to God’s will, and openness to the Holy Spirit, as he paid a pastoral visit to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Afienya–Newlands, on Sunday, January 11, 2025.
In a homily during the Eucharistic celebration to mark the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Bishop Louis reminded the faithful that Jesus’ baptism was not merely a historical event but a powerful lesson for all Christians.
“Jesus had no sin, yet He chose to stand in the waters with sinners. This teaches us that God’s work begins with humility,” he said.
He explained that true Christian greatness is found not in status or power, but in lowering oneself before God and others.
Reflecting on the Gospel, Bishop Louis stressed that Jesus’ decision to be baptized was an act of total obedience to the Father’s will.
“From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus shows us that a life pleasing to God seeks and submits to God’s will, not personal comfort or convenience,” he noted.
The Bishop further highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in the life and mission of Christ. He pointed out that heaven opened and the Spirit descended upon Jesus only after His humble obedience.
“God never sends us without equipping us. Through our baptism and confirmation, we too have been anointed by the Holy Spirit for mission,” he told the congregation.
Calling on parishioners to see their baptism as a call to service, Bishop Louis said Christians are sent to bring healing, justice, and hope to their families, workplaces, and communities.
“We are not baptized for comfort; we are baptized for mission,” he emphasized.
Bishop Louis described one of the most profound moments of the homily as the Father’s declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son, noting that this affirmation shows God’s approval is based on relationship rather than achievements.
“Before Jesus performed any miracle, the Father declared His love. This same assurance is given to us in baptism,” Bishop Louis said.
He encouraged the faithful to live confidently as beloved sons and daughters of God, renewed by grace and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The pastoral visit brought together parishioners, clergy, and lay faithful from the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic, Afienya–Newlands, who expressed joy and gratitude for the Bishop’s presence and words of exhortation.
By Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatchgh.com
