The Danger of Ritualism: When Sacraments Replace Salvation

While the sermon offers cultural illustrations of joy and devotion, it fundamentally fails theologically by teaching that baptism and the Eucharist are efficient causes of salvation rather than signs and seals. This error undermines the core doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, replacing it with a works-based ritualism that is spiritually dangerous.

🔴
Theological Status: ACTIVE HERESY Biblical Parallel(Archetype): Thyatira
❓ What do these grades mean?
🔍 Biblical Discernment: The 7 Church Parallels
The Faithful Parallels Smyrna • Philadelphia
Teaching that parallels the churches that endure suffering with true spiritual riches (Rev 2:9) and keep the Word of Christ without denial despite having "little strength" (Rev 3:8).
The Cold Orthodox Parallel Ephesus
Teaching that upholds doctrinal precision yet parallels the loss of the "first love"—the vital, motivating power of the Gospel (Rev 2:4).
The Compromised Parallel Pergamum
Teaching that parallels churches tolerating the "doctrine of Balaam" through cultural accommodation (Rev 2:14), characterized by weak boundaries, sloppy theology, and worldly compromise.
The Corrupted & Dead Parallels Thyatira • Sardis • Laodicea
Teaching that parallels churches with active heresy, synergism, therapeutic deism, or dead orthodoxy (Rev 2:20, Rev 3:1, Rev 3:17). These represent systemic, fundamental errors that corrupt the Gospel engine.
Why strictly "Mark & Avoid"?
We do not issue this rating to attack the speaker, but to protect the listener. This ministry's overall teaching trend consistently deviates from sound doctrine. As per Romans 16:17, we identify these patterns so believers can guard their hearts.
Date: 2026-01-11 | Church: St. Therese Catholic Church | Speaker: Huver Navarro

🧐 Overview

Theological Verdict & Summary

Sermon Summary: A critical examination of a sermon that conflates physical ritual with spiritual regeneration, warning against the error of believing sacraments save automatically.

Pastoral Analysis: While the sermon offers cultural illustrations of joy and devotion, it fundamentally fails theologically by teaching that baptism and the Eucharist are efficient causes of salvation rather than signs and seals. This error undermines the core doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, replacing it with a works-based ritualism that is spiritually dangerous.

Biblical Parallel (Archetype): Thyatira — The sermon exhibits active sacramental and moral heresy by teaching that physical rites automatically confer salvation and regeneration, conflating the sign with the substance and denying the necessity of faith alone for justification.

Big Idea: The Baptism of the Lord reveals the Holy Trinity and establishes the believer's identity as a beloved child of God, calling us to live out our baptismal promises with joy and devotion. [00:26:04 ▶️ 📄]

🎨 The Visual Metaphor

The shattered vessel and indecipherable script represent the brokenness and human invention of sacramental idolatry, which obscures the true source of grace. The water reflecting the open sky signifies the believer's direct access to the Triune God through baptism, unmediated by physical artifacts.


📖 How they Handle Scripture & Jesus

  • Primary Text: Matthew 3:13-17
  • Usage Classification: Expository
  • Text-to-Talk Ratio: High
  • Pulpit Decorum: ✅ PASS - The tone is respectful and pastoral, though the content is theologically erroneous.

✝️ Christological Focus: Typological

"Christ is presented as the Lamb of God and the object of baptism, but the connection is mediated through sacramental efficacy rather than redemptive faith."

Scripture Saturation: Verses Read: 12 | Referenced: 2 | Alluded: 6

Passages Read Aloud:

  • Isaiah 42:1-7 [00:10:33 ▶️ 📄]
    "Thus says the Lord, here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit. He shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench. Until he establishes justice on the earth, the coastlands will wait for his teaching. I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice. I have grasped you by the hand. I formed you and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeons those who live in darkness."
  • Matthew 3:13-17 [00:17:35 ▶️ 📄]
    "Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me. Jesus said to him in reply, Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Key References: Isaiah 42:1-7, Matthew 3:13-17

💧 Liturgy & Sacraments

Fencing the Table (Communion):

  • Believers Only Stated: ❌ No (Open Table Risk)
  • Warning Against Unworthy Manner: ⚠️ None Detected
  • Verbatim Warning: "Take this, all of you, and eat of it. For this is my body, which will be given up for you... In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice and once more, giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me."

🎙️ Sermon Content & Delivery

Word Count: 1,739 words

📌 Key Topics Addressed

  • Liturgical Calendar and Seasons [00:22:34 ▶️ 📄]
    > The pastor explains the structure of the liturgical year, including the end of the Christmas season, the beginning of Ordinary Time, and the upcoming Lenten season, emphasizing that these seasons give meaning to the weekly journey of faith.
  • The Baptism of the Lord and the Trinity [00:26:17 ▶️ 📄]
    > The pastor details the manifestation of the Holy Trinity at Jesus' baptism and connects this event to the believer's own baptism, highlighting the dignity of being made a beloved child of God.
  • Devotional Practices and Encounter with God [00:19:54 ▶️ 📄]
    > The pastor encourages specific devotional practices, such as dancing for Jesus in Peru and spending time before the Nativity scene, framing these not as wasted time but as investments that foster a deeper encounter with the Lord.
  • Baptism and Salvation [00:30:50 ▶️ 📄]
    > The pastor connects Jesus' baptism to the consecration of waters, explaining that this act opens the possibility of eternal salvation for believers.
  • Evangelization through Testimony [00:30:26 ▶️ 📄]
    > The speaker urges the congregation to be signs of hope and joy to encourage those desiring to enter or return to the Catholic faith.
  • The Creed [00:31:39 ▶️ 📄]
    > The congregation recites the Nicene Creed, professing faith in the Trinity, the Church, and the resurrection.
  • Intercessory Prayer [00:33:19 ▶️ 📄]
    > Prayers are offered for the Church, pastors, the country, youth, the sick, families, and the defenseless.
  • Eucharistic Consecration [00:42:24 ▶️ 📄]
    > The liturgy includes the epiclesis and the institution narrative, transforming the gifts into the Body and Blood of Christ.

🖼️ Illustrations & Stories

  • Sermon Illustration [00:20:15 ▶️ 📄]
    > The pastor describes a tradition in his diocese in Huánuco, Peru, where groups called 'Quadrillas' or 'Cofradias' (composed of 30-40 people) dedicate four days to dancing through the streets with an image of baby Jesus to proclaim salvation. He also references Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross, who taught that spending time in the presence of the Lord is not a waste of time but an investment that yields great reward.

🚀 Calls to Action (Application)

  • Pastoral Charge [00:29:53 ▶️ 📄]
    > To strive to make the current year one characterized by joy and faith.
  • Pastoral Charge [00:30:50 ▶️ 📄]
    > To choose happiness and joy in response to the graces received through baptism.

🧭 Biblical Alignment Dashboard

Overall Verdict: Fundamentally in Error

CategoryStatusReasoning
Gospel Presentation ❌ FAIL The Gospel Engine is compromised. The sermon teaches that baptism inherently confers regeneration and adoption by its own virtue, omitting the necessity of faith and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit apart from the rite.
Soteriology ❌ FAIL Teaches baptismal regeneration and justification by sacramental works, denying salvation by grace through faith alone.
Bibliology ✅ PASS Scripture is cited, though interpreted through a sacramental lens rather than a redemptive-historical one.
Hermeneutic ❌ FAIL Literalizes sacramental language ('become the Body') and ignores the spiritual nature of Christ's presence and the means of grace.
Theology Proper ✅ PASS Affirms the Trinity, though the application of the Trinity is tied to sacramental efficacy.
Sacramentology ❌ FAIL Teaches transubstantiation and baptismal regeneration, which are considered heretical errors in this theological framework.
Confessional Depth ❌ FAIL Relies on ritualistic formulas without engaging the deeper theological necessity of faith and the Spirit's work.

⚙️ The Gospel Engine (Confessional Distinctives)

The Law And Wrath: Not observed in the sermon.

Total Depravity And Inability: Not observed in the sermon.

Active Obedience Of Christ: Not observed in the sermon.

The Cross And Atonement:

"For this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins." [00:43:17 ▶️ 📄]

✅ Commendations

Cultural Engagement | Vibrant Illustrations of Joy

The pastor effectively uses cultural illustrations, such as the 'Quadrillas' in Peru and the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila, to depict the joy and communal aspect of faith.

Pastoral Tone | Encouraging Call to Devotion

The pastor encourages personal devotion and prayer, fostering a sense of spiritual warmth and community engagement.

⚠️ Theological Concerns

🔴 Baptismal Regeneration (The Error of Ritualistic Salvation)

Root Cause: Baptismal Regeneration (The Error of Ritualistic Salvation): The belief that the physical act of baptism automatically confers saving grace, replacing the necessity of personal faith.

"On the day of our baptism, we were cleansed of our original sin. What else happened on that day? On that day, we were made children, sons and daughters of God. Before baptism, we are only creatures of God, but because of the virtue of our baptism, we become sons and daughters, beloved sons and daughters of God." [00:28:07 ▶️ 📄]

Correction: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

🔴 Transubstantiation (The Error of Physical Transformation)

Root Cause: Transubstantiation (The Error of Physical Transformation): The belief that the substance of the bread and wine literally changes into the physical body and blood of Christ, ignoring the spiritual nature of the sacrament.

"Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:42:24 ▶️ 📄]

Correction: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

🟠 Neglect of Self-Examination (The Error of Unworthy Participation)

Root Cause: Neglect of Self-Examination (The Error of Unworthy Participation): Failing to warn believers about the spiritual dangers of receiving communion without proper repentance and faith, leading to spiritual harm.

"Behold the Lamb of God! Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world! Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb." [00:49:04 ▶️ 📄]

Correction: For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.


📜 Full Sermon Transcript (Audit)

Use the 📄 icons next to quotes above to automatically jump to their location in this raw transcript.

[00:02:32] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.

[00:03:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Good afternoon.
[00:03:28] We welcome any visitors who join us for worship today as we celebrate the baptism of the Lord.
[00:03:34] Please turn off your cell phones or set them to silent mode.
[00:03:38] For safety reasons, we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult when attending the restrooms.
[00:03:44] Our presider for this mass is Father Uwe Navarro.
[00:03:46] And our gathering hymn is number 593.
[00:03:49] In your gathering hymnal, I want to walk as a child of the light, number 593.
[00:03:54] Everyone, please join in singing.

[00:04:11] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
I want to walk as a child of the light.
[00:04:17] I want to follow Jesus.
[00:04:22] God sent the star to give light to the world.
[00:04:27] The star of my life is Jesus.
[00:04:30] Jesus, in him there is no darkness at all, the night and the day are both alive.
[00:04:43] Come, come, is the light of the city of God, shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
[00:04:56] I want to see the brightness of God I want to look at Jesus Clear sun of righteousness shine on my path And show me the way to the Father
[00:05:17] In Him there is no darkness at all.
[00:05:23] The night and the day are both alike.
[00:05:28] Above is the light of the city of God.
[00:05:34] Shine in my heart, O Jesus.

[00:05:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
After the Lord was baptized, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Father thundered, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
[00:06:02] Good afternoon, dear brothers and sisters.
[00:06:07] We offer this Mass for the parishioners of St. Therese, for each one of you, for your family members, for our friends, benefactors, those who requested our prayers, and also for our brothers and sisters who are watching online this Mass, and also for the
[00:06:25] eternal rest of the faithful departed through the mercy of God may they rest in peace and we with gratitude and with joyful hearts we gather around the altar of the Lord to celebrate this feast of the baptism of the Lord in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all
[00:06:54] Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
[00:07:06] I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous form.
[00:07:25] Therefore, I ask Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin,
[00:07:28] All the angels and saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
[00:07:37] May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
[00:07:44] Lord have mercy.
[00:07:47] Christ have mercy.
[00:07:49] Lord have mercy.

[00:07:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to people of good will.
[00:08:07] We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you.
[00:08:14] We give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King.
[00:08:27] Lord Jesus Christ, only begotten Son Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father You take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us You take away the sins of the world Receive our prayer
[00:08:57] You are seated at the right hand of the Father Have mercy on us For you alone are the Holy One You alone are the Lord You alone are the Most High Jesus Christ

[00:09:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Let us pray.
[00:09:42] Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the river Jordan, and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son,
[00:09:58] Grant that your children, by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well-pleasing to you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

[00:10:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
[00:10:36] Thus says the Lord, here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit.
[00:10:47] He shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.
[00:10:56] A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench.
[00:11:01] Until he establishes justice on the earth, the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
[00:11:10] I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice.
[00:11:14] I have grasped you by the hand.
[00:11:16] I formed you and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeons those who live in darkness.
[00:11:32] The Word of the Lord.

[00:11:54] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Thanks be to God.

[00:12:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
[00:12:12] The Lord will bless His people with peace.
[00:12:25] Give to the Lord, you sons of God.
[00:12:31] Give to the Lord glory and praise.
[00:12:37] Give to the Lord the glory to his name.
[00:12:42] Adore the Lord in holy atonement.
[00:12:50] The Lord will bless His people with peace The voice of the Lord is over the waters
[00:13:09] The Lord over vast waters The voice of the Lord is mighty The voice of the Lord is majestic
[00:13:28] The Lord will bless His people with peace
[00:13:42] The God of glory thunders And in His temple all say glory The Lord is enthroned above the flood The Lord is enthroned as King forever
[00:14:07] The Lord will bless his people with peace

[00:14:43] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
[00:14:48] Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying, In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
[00:15:02] Rather, in every nation who fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.
[00:15:12] You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all.
[00:15:24] What has happened all over Judea beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the power
[00:15:41] With the Holy Spirit and power, he went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil.
[00:15:52] For God was with him.
[00:15:53] The word of the Lord.

[00:16:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia
[00:16:43] The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered, This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.

[00:17:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Alleluia!

[00:17:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]:
Alleluia!

[00:17:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Alleluia!
[00:17:18] The Lord be with you.
[00:17:20] And with your spirit.
[00:17:24] Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
[00:17:35] Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
[00:17:42] John tried to prevent him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me.
[00:17:50] Jesus said to him in reply, Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.
[00:17:59] Then he allowed him.
[00:18:01] After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.
[00:18:16] And a voice came from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
[00:18:24] The Gospel of the Lord.
[00:18:29] Happy New Year dear brothers and sisters and happy Merry Christmas as well.
[00:18:46] Today it is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and officially today we conclude this joyful
[00:18:58] Christmas season that we have been celebrating and the church has given us the opportunity to contemplate this great mystery of love in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and also to express our devotion and our piety to the Holy Family of Nazareth and
[00:19:23] As I said officially, today is the end of this liturgical season.
[00:19:28] However, in different parts of the world, like for example in my own diocese, the feast of the Nativity of the Lord is extended.
[00:19:39] Even until the end of this month and in other parts of the world it is done until the February 2nd on the presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the temple.
[00:19:54] So these devotions are meant to foster in us great devotion and piety
[00:19:59] To this mystery, which is a mystery that surpasses our understanding and all our knowledge.
[00:20:07] It is a mystery of love that we are all called to embrace it with faith, with acceptance, and with devotion.
[00:20:15] For example, as I said in my diocese in Huánuco, in Peru,
[00:20:20] There are groups called Quadrillas or Cofradias and each group more or less is composed by 30 to 40 people who dedicate four days of their lives each group to dance for Jesus, for baby Jesus.
[00:20:39] So they go with the image of baby Jesus all around the streets dancing, singing and letting the people know, look,
[00:20:48] we are saved on this mystery this baby jesus who is the son of god who is god who is man he came to save us and so for example there is this melody for the adoration which says
[00:21:08] so they go two by two or one by one and they postrate before the lord and express their gratitude to the lord they place in the hands of the lord their joys their hopes and their dreams their struggles and their sufferings as well so i would like to invite you if you have not yet
[00:21:34] Experience, devotion before the display of the Nativity of the Lord, you still have time.
[00:21:42] Today or at any moment, if you have done at home also, have a little time, go.
[00:21:49] and sing Christmas carols, make the prayer before the Nativity of the Lord and also ask baby Jesus to bless your life throughout this year.
[00:22:00] As we have been taught by Saint Teresa of Avila, by Saint John of the Cross, how they dedicated their lives to spend time to, as they said, let us waste our time in the presence of the Lord.
[00:22:13] But it was not a waste of time, it was an investment of time because
[00:22:18] The Lord has rewarded them so greatly.
[00:22:23] And secondly, dear brothers and sisters, tomorrow we are beginning a new season during this liturgical year.
[00:22:34] The season is called the Ordinary Time.
[00:22:37] So the Ordinary Time has two parts.
[00:22:41] The first part will go from tomorrow
[00:22:45] until the day before Ash Wednesday.
[00:22:48] So that is from January the 12th until February the 17th.
[00:22:56] So on February the 17th we will stop and we will enter into a new liturgical season.
[00:23:04] That liturgical season is called the Lent.
[00:23:07] The Lenten season.
[00:23:08] So we will go all those 40 days until the Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum, the Easter Sunday, then we will go all this Easter season until Pentecost.
[00:23:20] And then we will resume the ordinary time.
[00:23:24] Here in the Ordo, it is said that we will
[00:23:30] that we will re-initiate our journey of faith for the ordinary time on May the 25th on Monday May the 25th and we will go all the way long until Saturday the 28th of November and we will begin a new liturgical year on Sunday
[00:24:00] November the 29th to begin the new liturgical year.
[00:24:05] So you can ask me, you can tell me, Father, why are you explaining us these important seasons or these different moments of our liturgical year?
[00:24:17] And my answer will be simple, because this gives meaning to our faith.
[00:24:23] This gives meaning to our weekly journey from home to the church.
[00:24:30] Because each season has its purpose, its meaning, to invite us to have a greater encounter with the Lord.
[00:24:40] Some of you may say, I'm going to the church, but I don't know what is going to happen.
[00:24:45] Or some might say, I want to go, and I want with that open heart to encounter the Lord.
[00:24:51] Or some might say, well, somebody has invited me, but I don't know why I'm going.
[00:24:58] And we come here dear brothers and sisters to have this encounter with the Lord.
[00:25:04] because the Lord can speak to us through the readings the Lord can speak us through the songs through the liturgy itself as at the very moment when the priest consecrates the bread and the wine and it becomes the body and blood of Christ so that gives meaning to my existence why I came to fulfill the day of the Lord and I also
[00:25:30] I fall on my knees and I adore the Lord.
[00:25:34] I adore that presence of the Lord.
[00:25:36] So you see, dear brothers and sisters, to know a little bit of these beautiful liturgical seasons throughout the liturgical year is so meaningful and very important for us.
[00:25:47] And lastly, I have prepared my reflection to encourage us and also to give us
[00:25:58] A joyful Sunday as we are celebrating the Baptism of the Lord.
[00:26:04] So what happened exactly on the moment of the Baptism of the Lord?
[00:26:09] According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, what happened at that moment when our Lord Jesus was baptized?
[00:26:17] It happened that there was a manifestation of the Holy Trinity.
[00:26:22] As we have heard in the Gospel, the manifestation of the Holy Trinity.
[00:26:27] As our Lord Jesus came out from the waters of the river Jordan, the heavens were opened.
[00:26:37] The Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove upon him, and a voice of heaven was heard that said, You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
[00:26:50] and the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us also that on this day we can remember our own baptism.
[00:26:58] Why?
[00:26:58] Because on the day of our baptism we were also made beloved sons and daughters of God.
[00:27:07] As our Lord Jesus was pleased at the eyes of God, we have said also at the opening prayer of this Mass that
[00:27:18] We may also be pleased to God our Father.
[00:27:25] We can see ourselves by our own eyes living our Christian life.
[00:27:31] People can see us also, but the most important thing is how God sees my Christian life.
[00:27:41] Am I pleased to the eyes of God?
[00:27:45] This is what matters, dear brothers and sisters, as we have heard here in the Gospel.
[00:27:50] This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
[00:27:57] And when we acknowledge that we have received the Sacrament of Baptism, several things have happened on that day.
[00:28:05] First of all,
[00:28:07] We were cleansed by the original sin.
[00:28:10] This is our Catholic doctrine, dear brothers and sisters.
[00:28:12] So stay with me, don't lose me.
[00:28:16] On the day of our baptism, we were cleansed of our original sin.
[00:28:22] What else happened on that day?
[00:28:24] On that day, we were made children, sons and daughters of God.
[00:28:34] Before baptism, we are only creatures of God, but because of the virtue of our baptism, we become sons and daughters, beloved sons and daughters of God.
[00:28:46] This is our Christian dignity.
[00:28:49] What else?
[00:28:50] On that day of our baptism, we are made members of this community, the Church, and we become temples of the Holy Spirit.
[00:29:02] and heirs of eternal life.
[00:29:05] So that is why this knowledge of our faith gives us the firm intention and resolution to say, I want to renew my baptismal promises.
[00:29:15] In this faith of the Catholic Church, I want to live, I want to die.
[00:29:21] For that, dear brothers and sisters, this is what happened on the day of the baptism of our Lord Jesus.
[00:29:28] There was the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel and the Son of God.
[00:29:36] Therefore, He is the Light of the nations and the Lord of all creation.
[00:29:41] To Him be glory and praise.
[00:29:45] To our Lord Jesus Christ, who desires to encounter us, but he wants to find an open heart.
[00:29:53] Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, let us try our best that this year might be for us a year of joy, a year of faith.
[00:30:02] we have concluded the year of hope but as bishop michael said we begin and we become signs of hope members of faith for our brothers and sisters who might be desiring to come to the catholic faith or maybe some might have abandoned the faith or some might be just
[00:30:26] Desiring to know about what we believe, what is our faith.
[00:30:31] So by our testimony, by our joy, we can let those brothers and sisters encounter the Lord.
[00:30:38] We can help them by our prayers, by our testimony, that they also may be
[00:30:44] Heirs of eternal life may become members of this community, may become temples of the Holy Spirit.
[00:30:50] So dear brothers and sisters, be happy, let us be happy, let us be joyful because on this day we also receive the graces of Jesus' baptism because at his baptism Jesus consecrated the waters of baptism that opens for us the possibility of eternal salvation.
[00:31:11] Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[00:31:39] Let us profess our faith.
[00:31:42] I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
[00:31:52] I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.
[00:31:58] Born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.
[00:32:10] Through him all things were made, for us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.
[00:32:23] For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
[00:32:26] He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
[00:32:33] He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
[00:32:38] He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
[00:32:44] I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
[00:32:58] I believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic Church.
[00:33:03] I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
[00:33:12] Amen.
[00:33:19] On this season, when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior have appeared, let us, dear brothers and sisters, humbly pour forth to Him our prayers, trusting not in our own good works but in His mercy.

[00:33:36] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
That the faithful of the Church will live out their baptismal promises, let us pray to the Lord.

[00:33:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord, hear our prayer.

[00:33:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
That the pastors and teachers of the church may be faithful witnesses to the example of Jesus with compassion and peace.
[00:33:53] Let us pray to the Lord.

[00:33:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord, hear our prayer.

[00:33:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
That our country become a place where people of all races are treated with respect and dignity.
[00:34:05] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:34:07] Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:34:09] That the children and young people may hear the voice of God
[00:34:13] Calling them to lives of service to others.
[00:34:16] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:34:18] Lord hear our prayer.
[00:34:21] For the sick and suffering, especially all victims of abuse, that they may feel the healing hand of Christ and be assured of our complete and unconditional help and support.
[00:34:34] Let us pray to the Lord.

[00:34:36] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord hear our prayer.

[00:34:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
For all families and households
[00:34:41] That this new year may be a time of health and happiness, let us pray to the Lord.

[00:34:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord, hear our prayer.

[00:34:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
For the most defenseless in our society, the unborn, the poor, and the elderly, and for a heightened awareness of the sanctity of life, let us pray to the Lord.

[00:35:02] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord, hear our prayer.

[00:35:05] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
That the God of mercy will hear the prayers we now speak in the silence of our hearts.
[00:35:16] Let us pray to the Lord.

[00:35:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:35:21] We pray also for the parishioners of St. Therese, those who have requested our prayers, those who are watching online this Mass, and also for the eternal rest of our faithful departed brothers and sisters.
[00:35:34] Through the mercy of God, may they rest in peace.
[00:35:37] We pray to the Lord.
[00:35:40] Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:35:41] We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight, through Christ our Lord.

[00:35:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Amen.
[00:36:02] Our offertory hymn is number 902 in Gather, O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God, number 902.

[00:36:27] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
O breathe on me, O breath of God Fill me with life anew That I may love the things you love
[00:36:52] and do what you would do.
[00:37:01] O breathe on me, O breath of God, until my heart is pure, until
[00:37:23] and Reconciliation, Reconciliation and Reconciliation.
[00:37:36] I will join me, O breath of God, My will to yours incline, Until this selfish boat of me Loves with your fire divine.
[00:38:06] O breathe on me, O breath of God, so shall I never die, but live
[00:38:29] The perfect life of your eternity.

[00:39:08] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.

[00:39:52] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.

[00:39:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.

[00:40:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Accept, O Lord, the offerings we have brought to honor the revealing of your beloved Son.
[00:40:15] so that the oblation of your faithful may be transformed into the sacrifice of him who willed in his compassion to wash away the sins of the world, who lives and reigns forever and ever.
[00:40:33] The Lord be with you.
[00:40:36] Lift up your hearts.
[00:40:39] Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
[00:40:43] It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord Holy Father Almighty and Eternal God.
[00:40:53] For in the waters of the Jordan, you revealed with signs and wonders a new baptism, so that through the voice that came down from heaven, we might come to believe in your word dwelling among us, and by the spirits descending in the likeness of Adab,
[00:41:11] We might know that Christ your servant has been anointed with the oil of gladness and sent to bring the good news to the poor.
[00:41:20] And so, with the powers of heaven, we worship you constantly on earth, and before your majesty, without end, we acclaim.

[00:41:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

[00:41:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]:
Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest

[00:42:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
You are indeed holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.
[00:42:24] Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:42:38] At the time he was betrayed,
[00:42:39] and Entry willingly into His Passion, He took bread and, given thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and eat of it.
[00:42:52] For this is my body, which will be given up for you
[00:43:17] In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice and once more, giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:43:40] Do this in memory of me.

[00:44:06] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
The mystery of faith Save us, Savior of the world For by your cross and resurrection You have set us free

[00:44:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the bread of life and the chalice of salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you.
[00:44:51] Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
[00:44:57] Remember, Lord, your Church spread throughout the world and bring her to the fullness of charity together with Leo our Pope and Michael our Bishop and all the clergy.
[00:45:08] Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection and all who have died in your mercy, welcome them into the light of your face.
[00:45:19] Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
[00:45:24] with Blessed Joseph, her spouse, with the blessed apostles and all the saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life and may praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ.
[00:45:44] Through him and with him and in him, O God, Almighty Father,
[00:45:49] In the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours forever and ever.
[00:46:21] At the Savior's command, and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[00:46:31] Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
[00:46:37] Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[00:46:46] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
[00:46:52] Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil.
[00:46:55] Graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

[00:47:09] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

[00:47:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reign forever and ever.
[00:47:31] The peace of the Lord be with you always.

[00:47:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
And with thy spirit.

[00:47:35] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
[00:47:38] Peace be with you.

[00:48:05] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
Lamb of God You take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us Lamb of God
[00:48:29] The sins of the world have mercy on us.
[00:48:39] Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:48:51] Grant us peace.

[00:49:04] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Behold the Lamb of God!
[00:49:06] Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world!
[00:49:10] Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.

[00:53:13] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.

[00:53:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
When Jesus comes to Jordan's stream A voice from heaven calls This is my well-beloved Son On whom my favor falls The Spirit hovers in the air Above the Chosen One
[00:53:47] The Triune God may manifest In voice and of and Son In voice and of and Son
[00:54:08] When Jesus comes to Jordan's stream, he mediates God's grace.
[00:54:17] The righteous one made man abstains, within he takes his place.
[00:54:27] The bruised reed he will not break, nor quench the smoldering rake.
[00:54:35] He will not crush the broken heart, but helps and heals the sick.
[00:54:45] But helps and heals the sick.
[00:54:56] When Jesus comes to Jordan's stream, He feels the Spirit's breath.
[00:55:05] Abiding Presence in His life A love that conquers death That there is Spirit speaks in us That Jesus Christ is Lord Who does not shout mere human truths But incarnates God's Word
[00:55:32] that incarnates God's Word.
[00:55:44] Now Jesus comes to us today And gives Your Spirit's fire To all who live baptismal life Through font, blood, or desire Befriend us, grasp us by the hand
[00:56:06] Send us forth from this hour As covenant and nations might And liberating power And liberating power

[00:56:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]:
Our communion hymn is 584 and gather, come to the water, number 584.

[00:57:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
O let all who thirst, let them come to the water.
[00:57:12] And let all who have nothing, let them come to the Lord.
[00:57:25] Without money, without prize, why should you pay the price, except for the Lord?
[00:57:46] Let all who seek, let them come to the water.
[00:57:59] And let all who have nothing, let them come to the Lord.
[00:58:09] Without money, without star,
[00:58:14] Why should you spend your life except for the Lord?
[00:58:33] And let all who toil, let them come to the water And let all who are weary, let them come to the Lord All who labor without rest
[00:59:01] How can your soul find rest except for the Lord?
[00:59:19] And let all the poor, let them come to the water
[00:59:31] Bring the ones who are laden.
[00:59:36] Bring them all to the Lord.
[00:59:42] Bring the children without mind.
[00:59:47] Come to the Lord Come to the Lord Come to the Lord
[01:00:09] I will run to you, I will run to you, I will run to you my Lord I will run to you, I will run to you, I will run to you

[01:01:05] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[01:01:37] In Jesus name we pray.
[01:01:52] Amen.
[01:02:07] In Jesus' name we pray.
[01:02:30] Amen.
[01:02:52] Let us pray.
[01:03:58] Let us pray.
[01:04:27] Thank you.

[01:05:21] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Behold, the one of whom John said, I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
[01:05:29] Let us pray.
[01:05:31] Nourished with these sacred gifts, we humbly entreat your mercy, O Lord, that faithfully, listening to your only begotten Son, we may be your children in name and in truth, through Christ our Lord.
[01:05:46] Please have a seat for a moment.

[01:05:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Our announcements.
[01:05:52] There will be a second collection next weekend to benefit a combined mission collection for churches in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, the United States, Mission Appeal, and the Catholic Home Missions.
[01:06:05] Please be generous.
[01:06:08] Our bulletin has a fresh new look.
[01:06:09] Please be sure to pick up a copy today.
[01:06:13] Scriptures and Spirits is on Tuesday at 7pm at Boondoggler's Brewing.
[01:06:17] Our speaker this month is Father Mark.
[01:06:20] Come grab a spirit and start the new year with some great conversation and fellowship.
[01:06:25] Registration is now open for the annual Women's Day of Reflection.
[01:06:29] Spots are limited.
[01:06:30] Details on how to register are in the bulletin.
[01:06:34] Sign-ups for Camp Covecrest are open until Thursday.
[01:06:38] This summer camp is available to rising freshmen through graduating seniors.
[01:06:42] For more details, please contact Taylor Fernald in the Faith Formation Office.
[01:06:48] And there are still a few St. Joseph Missals available for purchase in the Parish Office.
[01:06:54] Pick up your copy today.
[01:06:55] And as always, please check the bulletin for more information about what's happening here at St. Therese.

[01:07:02] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Thank you very much.
[01:07:04] And I would like to thank also each one of you for your faith, for being here with us today, those who have served in this Mass.
[01:07:10] May you have a fruitful year of grace with joy and gratitude.
[01:07:15] Let us persevere in the faith.
[01:07:18] The Lord be with you.
[01:07:22] May Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
[01:07:28] Go forth to love and serve the Lord.

[01:07:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
And please join in our recessional hymn, number 903 in your gather hymnal, Baptized in Water, number 903.

[01:07:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, Fenced by the blood of Christ our King.
[01:08:01] Heirs of salvation, trusting His promise Faithfully now God's praise we sing Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit
[01:08:21] In the tomb with Christ our King One of His rising, free and forgiven Thankfully now God's praise we sing
[01:08:39] Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, March with the sight of Christ our King.
[01:08:53] Born of one Father, we are His children, Joy-failing now God's praise we sing.
[01:09:05] Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, Carved by the blood of Christ our King, Heirs of salvation, trusting His promise, Faithfully now God's grace receive.