We cannot truly appreciate the feast we celebrate today, the Baptism of the Lord, if we are unaware of the meaning and power of our own Baptism. The exchange between Jesus and John the Baptist, the heavens opening, the Spirit descending and the voice from heaven are very symbolic, but only those who are baptized will be able to grasp their true meaning.
Christian Baptism does not exist to imitate the Baptism of Jesus; rather the Baptism of Jesus is a reflection of the Baptism all Christians receive. Let me state this plainly so as not to confuse anyone. We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; we are not baptized because Jesus was baptized in the Jordan. Christian baptism is dying to sin, dying to our old selves, so that we might rise with Christ to eternal life. In order for us to die to sin and still live in this sinful world, Christ bestows His Holy Spirit upon us in Baptism through the anointing with Chrism, the Chrism marking us as children of God, the Spirit uniting us in God’s family. We are truly reborn, recreated when we are baptized.
The baptism Jesus received, the baptism of John, was symbolic of conversion—turning away from sin. But John’s baptism could not alter who the people were nor make them members of God’s family. After all, John the Baptist did not come from heaven; how, then, could he bring people to heaven? That is why even after being baptized, the Gospel tells us that soldiers and sinners had to ask John what they were supposed to do next. Their Baptism was not sacramental.
Unfortunately, many people interpret the rebirth of Baptism in its most extreme interpretation; our sins are washed away. If our sins are not washed away, then we cannot go to heaven. That is why many people expect a child to be baptized as quickly as possible—to avoid damnation. The Church teaches us that children should be baptized shortly after birth—within the first six weeks. But this teaching does not stem from a fear of death; it is meant to emphasize the importance of faith! If our life with God is the most important part of our lives, then why would a parent wait any longer to baptize their child? Would you wait 6 weeks before you gave your child food? Would you wait 6 weeks before you put clothes on your baby? Why wait any longer than necessary to give your child the gift of faith?
On a spiritual level, some parents pretend that their child should be allowed to choose its faith when it is ready. A beautiful sentiment, to be sure, and, ultimately, every person decides for herself to believe or not. However, as a parent, YOU choose the child’s name (he can always choose a different one once grown), YOU choose the child’s food, housing, clothes, education. The only acceptable reason for not sharing YOUR faith with YOUR child is if you do not believe. And if that is the reason, well, then I worry for both you and the child!
On a practical level, some parents say they need to find godparents for their child. Did you not know you were having a child? Did you not have 8 or 9 months to prepare for the child’s birth and then Baptism? Think about who the godparents should be even before the child is born. You may not know the exact date when the child will be born, but in most cases, you won’t be more than a month wrong. I have also heard about the cost of the party. The baby doesn’t need a big party: you want a big party. For the sake of a party, your child waits to know Christ.
Jesus begins His mission by being baptized. We, too, begin our mission in life with our Baptism, uniting us to Christ.
Peace, Fr Nick