One Minute Reflection – 20 April – Monday of the Second week of Easter, Readings: Acts 4:23-31, Psalm 2:1-9, John 3:1-8 and the Memorial of Blessed Chiara Bosatta (1858-1887)
Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no-one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” … John 3:5
REFLECTION – The Roman Missal – Prayer for the blessing of baptismal water during the Easter Vigil
Father, You give us grace through sacramental signs,
which tell us of the wonders of Your unseen power.
In baptism we use Your gift of water,
which You have made a rich symbol
of the grace You give us in this sacrament.
At the very dawn of creation
Your Spirit breathed on the waters,
making them the wellspring of all holiness.
The waters of the great flood
You made a sign of the waters of baptism,
that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness.
Through the waters of the Red Sea
You led Israel out of slavery,
to be an image of God’s holy people,
set free from sin by baptism.
By the waters of the Jordan
Your Son was baptised by John
and anointed with the Spirit.
Your Son willed that water and blood
should flow from His side
as He hung upon the cross.
After His resurrection, He told his disciples,
‘Go out and teach all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
Father, look now with love upon Your Church,
and unseal for her the fountain of baptism.
By the power of the Spirit
give to the water of this font
the grace of Your Son.
You created humankind in Your own likeness:
cleanse us from sin in a new birth of innocence
by water and the Spirit.
We ask You, Father, with Your Son,
to send the Holy Spirit upon the waters of this font.
May all who are buried with Christ
in the death of baptism
rise also with Him to newness of life.
PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, grant that Your faithful people who were buried with Your Son in baptism, may by His Resurrection and intercession at Your right hand, obtain for us eternal life. Send Your Spirit upon Your adopted children and lead us in Your way. Grant that by the intercession of Blessed Chiara Bosatta, our path may be straightened and glow with Your light. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.
