Why Would We Do This?

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Yesterday we celebrated the Baptism of Jesus so this is a good time to talk about a couple of things.

First, Jesus didn't need baptism because of sin (he was sinless.) Simply put, his baptism highlighted the importance of baptism and our need for it. There is a lot more we could say about it, but that's it in a nutshell.

And from that point, we need to consider why baptism is important for us. Each of us was born with original sin, which was passed on to us from our first parents, Adam and Eve.

Baptism removes that sin. For Christian parents to deny, or postpone, the baptism of their children, is to essentially deny what Jesus himself has shown us is the pathway to eternal life.

Why would we do this?

For some, it is because they don't want to offend parents/grandparents from one side of the family. For some, they really don't understand its value. For others, it is just a matter of getting around to it.

But are any of these reasons good enough to deny yourself, or your children, freedom from sin?

Of course not. The graces and new life that come through/from baptism are endless. As we become "children of God" through baptism, we step into a life that God himself offers, which reconciles us to him.

Whatever age you realize and accept that you need to do this, don't worry, no one will judge you. All you have to do is make a call to your local, friendly parish to learn more about it. Trust me, you'll be forever glad you did.

To walk through that open door and receive what Jesus offers is something we can be eternally grateful to have made available to us. Baptism is not just a nice ritual, but it brings about a powerful transformation, and honestly, who doesn't need that?

Janet Cassidy

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