“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) St. Paul was not minimizing the significance of baptism, but he was trying to stress the importance of putting Jesus’ teachings into action. Jesus had said to his apostles, before His ascension into heaven, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) St. Paul realized that the purpose of proclaiming the Good News is to allow the listener to comprehend and accept the significance of carrying the cross. Jesus once said, “The kingdom of heaven has to be taken by force”. He also said “If any want to become my followers, let them take up their cross daily and follow me.” The cross is a symbol of persevering faith in God, even in the most adverse and hopeless situations. “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world!”