BAPTISM: OUR SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAY

Every year we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Since Jesus Christ was conceived and born into a sinful world but was himself free of sin,
his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist might seem unnecessary. It is clear, however, that the experience of Baptism was for him a moment
of God’s revelation and an affirmation of His identity and mission. “You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you” was a divine affirmation of the divinity of Jesus Christ and a summary of His mission. He was Son Of God, Messiah and the One who by His Passion, Death and Resurrection would overcome sin and death and set humanity free. In the New Testament, the early Christian synthesis of belief and practice (The Didache), and the writings of the Church Fathers like Tertullian,
Baptism is described as the beginning of our “new life in Christ,” and the entrance into membership of the Church, the Body of Christ. During the apostolic period when most converts were adults, there was a careful initiation process with attention to faith formation, moral conversion and integration into the Church community. Sponsors were entrusted with the responsibility to be excellent role models for the newly initiated Christians. Gradually as entire families were converted and baptized, infant baptism was practiced and soon became the normal rite of Baptism. It was closely associated with the Sacrament of Confirmation (that “sealed”) Baptism and imparted the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Soon both were connected closely with reception of the Holy Eucharist in accomplishing full Christian initiation.
Today our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults follows this same pattern of study, conversion and initiation into the faith and church community at the Easter Vigil. Our children, too, move in their spiritual progress through Baptism, First Eucharist, Penance and Confirmation.

Our own baptisms are occasions of great family joy, preparation by Godparents,passing down of Baptismal garments and most of all the
re-commitment of the family of the baptized to our own baptismal promises. We know that the formation in faith of our children is accomplished by
the complex process of passing on Christian values and understandings, and the modeling of them in the home. A Christian family culture is lived and practiced, and has our identity as a beloved child of God right at the center. The respecting of the dignity and value of each family member needs to be taught and re-enforced each day. Pope Francis reminds us that the virtues of mercy and forgiveness need to be experienced in order to become real. Antithetical teachings of greed, selfishness, overemphasis on passing material things need to be contradicted by living according to the Way of Jesus. Our parish is composed of so many different forms of families and of families at differing stages of  development that it is hard to generalize. It seems clear to me, however, that true Gospel family living involves prayer, mutual love and understanding, charity toward neighbor, and something of a counter-cultural life.  It is true that we live in this world and that it is our home but we must be vigilant not to let a secularized world define our identity as Christians.

Baptism incorporates us into Christ. We share in His saving life, death and resurrection and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live with passion and clarity of focus in this world. Baptism also incorporates us into life in the Church, the Body of Christ. We know that the life of a Christian family is best lived within a faith community and with the friendships, prayers, common vision and ministries of our parish family life. Each time we celebrate birthdays it is an excellent idea to celebrate the “Birthdays” into faith that occurred when each of us were baptized. Our “Spiritual Birthday” complements our “Birthday into human life” and enables and fits us for eternal life. May God bless  and keep Saint Joan of Arc families as we celebrate our two birthdays.

– Msgr. Michael D. McGraw