Yesterday I was privileged to attend a baptism and to watch the preparation for an afternoon wedding. Both events were filled with anxious faces, with guests brimming with enthusiasm, smiles, whispering voices. How amazing it is that each baptism is really a very private moment, a moment of truth, a moment of faith, a moment of hope. In the Catholic church baptism requires active participation. Baptism is more than pouring water on an infant’s head. Baptism is a request to pray for the well-being and spiritual growth of both the child and the parents; a request to lead a life filled with love and reverence for God and love and compassion for neighbors. The baptism ceremony is very brief.
With a firm grasp on love and hope each baptism provides an opportunity for each person there to reaffirm their personal commitment to God.
As a Christian receiving and sharing God’s grace is very important. Sharing a child’s baptism, with only the family and the parish priest present allows for a very intimate portal to view God and his love for all of us.
There was a gentle loving benevolent informality, a kind inviting intimacy. God as best trusted friend was there. He was visible in all of the faces. There was love and hope and faith and goodness and kindness in all of the faces. There was a little anxiety. But, God was there offering patience.
Baptism is for both the infant and those present. It is equally important for both. Baptism is the beginning of a relationship for the infant with God and a pledge to continue the relationship for the other baptized people present. (I wrote this with the assumption that all the people present would be baptized and Catholic.)
Baptism is a beautiful time to remember the Lord, to remember the beauty and majesty of being a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment