Moses, in our first reading for this evening, asked a question that is relevant for us, too. He asked the Israelites whether there were any wonders of the past which were greater than what they were witnessing that day. If we stop to reflect on such a question, we’re likely to think about our modern technology and say the wonders of 1987 are greater than at any time before now. Yet, there is another wonder, an event we all will witness in a few moments that is greater than any of the technological wonders of our lifetime.
In a few minutes we will be present when the Holy Spirit comes in a very special way to three youngsters of our community. An event like this has occurred many times before and will continue to be celebrated until the Second Coming of Christ. But sometimes, we fail to recognize just what a wonder, what a miracle, Baptism really is.
Four times a year1, here at Christ the Good Shepherd, we celebrate the sacrament of Baptism within the context of the sacrament of Eucharist. This provides us with an opportunity to recall, as vividly as possible, just how important this sacrament is to each of us who has been baptized into the Christian faith.
When Moses presented Yahweh’s commandments to the Israelites, he reminded them that these statutes and commandments must be kept forever. And in our gospel reading, we hear Jesus say something very similar: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world.”
Most of us were baptized at a very young age. Certain promises were made on our behalf by our parents and godparents. Throughout the year, we are asked to renew these promises on our own behalf, now that we are adults and know the importance of these promises. We are asked to reject sin and to accept Jesus, the Christ, as our Lord.
For the last three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with adults preparing for baptism and of being there in the pool with them at the moment of baptism2. These moments when the Holy Spirit comes to them in a very special way, have been among the greatest moments of my life. I receive a great gift each time I baptise either an infant or an adult, but adult baptisms are truly magnificent gifts.
There are some who belive we should baptise only adults and not children. They say we should wait until a person can make his or her own promises. While there is much to be said for such a view, it is equally true to recognize the love these parents show here today by desiring to have their own young ones baptised now. Each of them wants their child to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit as soon as possible and, in a few years, be able to come with them to receive the Lord in a special way at Eucharist. Many times we forget, or take for granted, the power that comes from our Baptism. The power whereby we become children of God. The power whereby each of us is anointed as priest, prophet and king.
The sacrament of Baptism uses many symbols to remind us of what occurs at our baptism. We use water to remind us we have been washed free of sin, we are cleansed and reborn in Christ. We are anointed with oil just like ancient kings and prophets were anointed with oil, just as the hands of a priest are still anointed with oil at his ordination. Baptism, itself, makes each one of us sharers of a common priesthood in the kingdom of God. Light too, is a powerful symbol. And later on in the service of Baptism, the godparents for these three children will receive a candle which has been lite from the Easter candle. They will be reminded they are to receive the Light of Christ on behalf of these children. We urge that this candle be used on special days, like birthdays or the anniversary of this Baptism. And many years from now, after they have lived a rich and full life, this candle will be burned for the last time on the day of their death, when they return home to the father.
In the church year, this Sunday after Pentecost is celebrated as Trinity Sunday, the day when we acknowledge our God as one God in three divine Persons. It is, indeed, a fitting day for this celebration of Baptism, when each child is made part of the kingdom in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Yet, each day, when we make the sign of the cross, we are called to remember the baptismal promises made for us and which we are called to renew each time we repeat those sacred words: “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
As we continue this Eucharist celebration and when, within this mass, we participate in the sacrament of Baptism, let us really call to mind the gifts of our Trinitarian God. Let us remember that each of us, by our Baptism of flowing water, has been called to be Christ-like. We have been called to be Christians in a special moment that brings into our life the Holy Spirit and all of the many gifts given to us, the children of God.
Trinity Sunday; June 13, 1987 {Although June 1987 normally uses the cycle C readings, those for cycle B were used because of these baptisms during mass}.
Deut 4:32-34, 39-40; Rom 8:14-17; Mt 28:16-20
- The quarterly celebration of Baptism within a mass occurred during the eighties when this event was a novelty. Later, baptisms were celebrated every month during the Saturday evening liturgy, except during Lent and Advent, as well as on Sunday afternoons.
- The baptism of adults by deacons was later changed. The pastor, who later in the rites confirmed the catechumens, also baptized them. Deacons are now limited to the baptism of children.