triple baptisms
"They differed with him over issues in their own religion, and about a certain Jesus Who had died but Who Paul claimed is alive." —Acts 25:19
Imagine throwing your life away to run after a Man Whom you have never seen and Who claims to be God risen from the dead. This is the decision that each Christian makes. We have decided not just to go to Church, say some prayers, or live a decent life but to throw ourselves at Jesus' feet, worship Him, deny our very selves, and follow Jesus even to the cross (see Lk 9:23). "We have become a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ's account" (1 Cor 4:9-10).
As we draw near to Pentecost, let us repent and be immersed in the person of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Then we will receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). We must be baptized into repentance (Lk 3:3) and into Jesus (Acts 2:38) before we can receive the third baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8). Because Jesus baptizes us in the Spirit, we must come to Him, believe in Him (Jn 7:37-38), and love Him with all our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, come to Jesus—on His terms. He is "rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God's eyes" (1 Pt 2:4). Come to Jesus, and the Spirit will come to you.
Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to love You and Jesus with all my heart (see Mt 22:37). Come, Holy Spirit!
Promise: "When Jesus had finished speaking He said to him, 'Follow Me.' " —Jn 21:19
Praise: Jesus drew Carol to attend daily Mass. Soon she attended a Life in the Spirit seminar and received a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995