Adolf Hitler was baptized Catholic — but baptism alone does not guarantee holiness or salvation.
In this homily, Fr. John Hollowell reflects on the meaning of baptism, original sin, and the ongoing spiritual battle each of us faces after receiving the grace of the sacraments. Drawing on powerful analogies from hiking and mountaineering, Fr. Hollowell explains why baptism is the beginning of the Christian adventure, not the end.
Baptism makes us adopted sons and daughters of God and temples of the Holy Spirit — gifts even Adam and Eve did not possess. Yet, as the Catechism teaches, the consequences of sin remain, and we are still called to strive, cooperate with grace, and put our God-given talents to work.
This homily challenges us to avoid complacency, to take our faith seriously, and to find joy, peace, and purpose in striving for holiness through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.
