YOU ARE A NEW CREATION 1. In the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, there is a point at which the minister of the Sacrament puts a white cloth on the baptised. The minister says: "[Name of baptised], you have become a new creation and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven." 2. Have you thought about the biblical basis of these words? What is the import of this rite? What is the message that is being carried out? Why should a white garment be placed on the baptised? 3. In today's first reading (2 Corinthians 5:14-21), St. Paul addresses the people of Corinth. He tells them: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come." 4. The usage of the white cloth is indicative of a new life in Jesus. The colour white is a symbol of purity, holiness, sanity, newness, etc. 5. I ask: When did you receive the Sacrament of Baptism? What is the quality of your soul? What is the present colour of the cloth that was put on you? Is the Lord happy with your present colour? Have you added to the beauty of the colour of the garment, or have you stained it? 6. In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, Jesus purifies us in the confessional. The Lord washes us. Jesus makes us whole. The Lord cleanses us from the impurity of sin. As a mother would bathe her baby, Jesus does the same to us. The problem isn't with Jesus, who is always ready to cleanse us. No! We are the problem. We are comfortably living in sin. We prefer darkness to light. We choose impurity over purity. I ask: When was your last Confession? How often do you go for Confession? What is preventing your Confession? Today (14-6-2025), please go for Confession. Go and tell the Lord that you are sorry for your sins. Enough of the excuses. 7. Finally, it is good to go for Confession, but it's not enough. Your going to Confession should be seen in your life. This is the new life in Jesus. This is the life that should lead others to Jesus. This is the inspiration behind today's theme: "You are a new creation." It is well.....🌿