Enlightened by Christ

On Sunday afternoon, there was a special welcome reserved for one of the newest members of the flock. Although she's only a few months old, this little one was inserted in the list of those who can now number themselves among the elect, the saints in the making.

Her parents have accepted a special responsibility, to train her in the practice of the faith. From now on, it's their duty (not choice) to bring her up and teach her to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour.

The day of one's baptism is indeed a day of great celebration, and at times the duty that is imposed on parents, godparents and others who have the joy and privilege to form our children can be overlooked, but it should always be taken with the utmost gravity because privilege (ie being entrusted with the care of a child) should never be separated from it's fiduciary duty (to teach by word and example, the importance of faith, prayer and forgiveness).

Luckily, no parents are ever asked to take on this responsibiity without the help of others (the child's godparents, and the members of the worshipping community where the child will learn the value of prayer and of self-sacrifice).

Enlightened by faith, this child is now to walk, always as a child of the Light, until the day that the Lord comes to take us all home. In the meanwhile, human voices entreat the mercy and love of God who blesses the mother of this child as she thanks God for the gift of her child, and the child's father as well, who together with his wife, will be the first of teachers in the ways of faith, bearing witness to the faith by what he says and does.