The Baptism of our Lord — January 12, 2020 SAINT MARY’S & SAINT ELIZABETH’S CATHOLIC CHURCHES Phone: 701-579-4312 FATHER GARY BENZ-PASTOR
[email protected]; Cell Phone 701-509-9504; Rectory 701-579-4874 VICTOR DVORAK –DEACON www.stmaryschurchnewengland.com “After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water . .” There is an old story of a German cob- bler who used to sit in the doorway of his cottage and work at his trade. He was always singing or humming as he worked and most of his tunes were of a religious nature. One day, a Jewish merchant passed by and he was attracted by the cheerful appearance and the cheery song of the worker. “My friend,” remarked the Jew, “You seem exceedingly happy.” “I am,” remarked the cobbler, “I have good reason for it, since I am a King’s son.” The Jew continued on his way, thinking to himself that this guy was a mental case. Imagine, a peasant calling himself the son of a king! A few days later, the Jew passed the same cottage. “Good morning your royal highness,” was the Jew’s half scornful greeting. “Good morning,” said the cobbler. He continued, “I wonder if you believe that I am not the son of a king. Let me explain what I mean. As a Christian, I was baptized and Baptism makes one an adopted child of the King of heaven.” The Jew was so impressed that as he contemplated this in the following days and weeks, he eventually decided to seek Baptism and enter the Church.