Life in the Spirit

Baptisms at the church I attended years ago were magnificent! They were often held at the Sunday Mass, which made it a celebration for everyone.  When the big moment arrived, all eyes were are on the baptismal font at the back of the church where the infant received water and spirit.

Afterward, the family processed to the altar and stood under a bright skylight from which a wooden cross was suspended. Our pastor took the infant into the palms of his hands and lifted the little bundle toward Heaven, elevating it as high as his arms would extend! As the child was held there, everyone joined the priest in prayer.

As we prayed together for the child reborn, we were reminded of how blessed we were to have been saved through this beautiful sacrament, given to us by Jesus Himself. Jesus said to Nicodemus "Unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God" (John 3:5).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to this very conversation, that baptism is necessary for our salvation:
"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: 'Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.'" (Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 1, Article 1 #1213)

The good news is that every person who is not already baptized may be baptized! God can fit any one of us into the palms of His perfect and loving hands and lift us up to a new life with Him. We needn't be babies! Everyone - teens and adults of all ages, even the dying, can once again become children - Children of God!

Elizabeth