Beloved Parishioners,

Have you ever considered that your baptism was not just a ceremony, but a consecration—a setting apart for something sacred? Today, beloved parishioners, I wish to draw our hearts to this powerful truth, namely: that we are a people consecrated to prayer. This consecration began the day we were plunged into the waters of Baptism.

Through Baptism, we were not just washed of original sin—we were adopted into God’s family, united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12–14), and clothed with the dignity of the firstborn sons and daughters in Christ Jesus.

Like Abraham, as we heard last week, our baptism qualifies us to stand before God as intercessors of faith. In Genesis 18:20–32, Abraham dares to approach the Lord—not as a stranger, but as a friend. He pleads for Sodom with a heart full of mercy. Abraham’s courage in prayer is not presumption; it flows from his covenant relationship with God. That’s what Baptism gives us too— access. As baptized members of the Body of Christ, we have the right and privilege to stand in intercession—not only for ourselves but for our families, our parish, our nation, and the world. St. John Chrysostom once said: “The power of prayer has overcome enemies, extinguished wars, appeased God...it has bridled the fury of lions, silenced storms, and conquered demons.” How humbling it is that we, like Abraham, are entrusted with such divine access.

But let’s be honest: sometimes we forget or even neglect this important gift. Life is busy—between work, family, school, traffic, and daily stress, prayer can feel far away. And yet, St. Alphonsus Liguori reminds us: “Those who pray are certainly saved; those who do not pray are certainly lost.” Prayer is not about fancy words. It’s about the heart. It’s about showing up—just like we call a loved one to stay connected, we are called to speak to our Father every day. As God’s beloved children, we are called to speak to Him intimately, to bring our needs before Him, and to remain in constant union. It follows that prayer for us, is not optional—it is our very breath as Christians. It is what sustains us in grace. And remember prayer is not always about words. Sometimes it is silence. Sometimes it is tears. Sometimes, it’s simply lighting a candle and sitting with God. As St. Teresa of Avila said, “Prayer is nothing but a friendly conversation with the One we know loves us.”

We must constantly be aware that prayer is powerful, but it can be hindered. God is always ready to hear us. “The Lord’s hand is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear,” says Isaiah 59:1. But the next verse warns us: “Your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin closes the ears of our heart. It creates a chasm that weakens our communion with God. When we gossip, hold grudges, or live in selfishness, our prayers begin to feel empty. This teaches us that as baptized sons and daughters, we must strive for holiness—not out of fear, but because we love the One who first loved us. That’s why we must return often to confession—to clear the channel, so to speak, and come back to prayer with clean hearts.

What privilege we have that Jesus himself teaches us how to pray. In Luke 11:1–13, Jesus gives us the Our Father—not just as a formula, but as a school of prayer. We learn to call God Abba, Father. What a privilege! Through Baptism, the Spirit within us cries out, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15). We no longer approach God as beggars, but as beloved children. Jesus also reminds us of God’s generosity: “Ask and you will receive...how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:9,13). Let us, then, ask boldly, seek diligently, and knock persistently.

Beloved parishioners, Baptism made us more than churchgoers. It consecrated us people of prayer. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a mother cooking for her family, or an elder sitting quietly with your Rosary, you are consecrated to prayer. Jesus said, “We ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). In a world of troubles—be it economic hardship, insecurity, or loneliness—prayer is where we find our strength. And may the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother in faith, who pondered and prayed in all things, teach us to pray with her same trust and surrender. Amen.

BACK TO LIST