In our previous discussion on the Sacrament of Baptism, we explored the wonderful gift of God's grace. Let's delve deeper into this mystery.
I Have Called You by Name
Baptism is administered to adults and infants in the Catholic Church and many other Christian denominations. During baptism, infants are officially given a name. But what's the significance of naming a child or adopting a new name as an adult?
In Isaiah 43:1, God declares, "I have called you by name." This theme of naming is evident throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, God changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah when He called them to a specific purpose (Genesis 17:5, 15-16). Similarly, Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter when He entrusted him with the responsibility of His Church (Matthew 16:17-19).
This personal call is also seen in Jesus' encounter with Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. She failed to recognize Him until He called her by name (John 20:11-18). Jesus affirms this in John 10:3-4, saying He calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice.
God's Plan for Families
A question arises: How can an infant be baptized without faith? Some argue that the individual's faith is required for baptism, citing Mark 16:16. However, biblical accounts reveal a broader picture. God's plan of salvation encompasses entire families and households, and the faith of parents or household heads can profoundly impact their children.
Consider the examples: Noah's entire family was saved due to his faith (Genesis 6-9). Abraham's faith saved his son Isaac (Genesis 22:13). In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit because of his father's faith. Jesus healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman, commending the woman's faith and granting her request (Matthew 15:28).
The Bible records several instances of households being baptized: Cornelius and his household (Acts 10), Lydia and her household (Acts 16:15), and the jailer and his entire family (Acts 16:33). St. Peter states that baptism is for everyone the Lord calls including the children (Acts 2:38-39). These accounts demonstrate that baptism is not limited to adult individuals in faith but encompasses entire families.
In Colossians 2:11-12, St. Paul connects circumcision and baptism, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Covenants. In Genesis 17, when God made a covenant with Abraham, He wished everyone to be part of it—infants and adults alike.
Jesus instructs His disciples to welcome children, saying, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them' (Mark 10:13-16). This passage highlights the importance of allowing children to come to Jesus and become part of God's family.
As parents, we naturally desire the best for our children. By presenting them for baptism, we're giving them the greatest gift possible—a life rooted in Christ and connected to His body, the Church.
Chosen Before Birth
Some may wonder how an infant can understand their call. However, Scripture reveals that God's plan of salvation is not limited by age or understanding.
In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells us how He knew and consecrated us before birth. St. Paul explains in Ephesians 1:4-5 that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of creation.
As Lord Jesus emphasized in John 15:16, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you.' This profound truth highlights God's initiative in our salvation.
To illustrate this point, consider the following: when a child is born into a Christian family, countless other babies are born around the world, many into non-Christian families. Yet, God's sovereign plan sets apart those who will be part of His Church, demonstrating that our faith is not based on chance or circumstance, but on God's deliberate choice.
I want to emphasize that this illustration does not diminish the value or faith of those born into non-Christian families who later choose to follow Christ. Rather, it underscores the significance of infant baptism.
Ultimately, every individual—Christian or non-Christian—is a pilgrim on earth, journeying towards heaven. Each person's path is uniquely ordained, and God's wisdom places them exactly where they need to be.
Called for Holiness
All Christians are called to holiness and to lead holy lives. Baptism marks the beginning of this journey. As we explore its significance, remember that our faith journey is rooted in God's initiative, not our own. As St. John teaches in his epistle, all born of God, meaning baptized Christians, are called to a life of holiness. (1 John 3:2, 5:3-5).
Let us draw encouragement from the Bible. The account of Jesus' baptism gives us a glimpse into the mystical events that occur when we obey God's commandments. At Jesus' baptism, the heavens opened, and God declared, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:13-17). Similarly, we see God's pleasure in the life of Job, whom He described as 'blameless and upright' (Job 1:8). Jesus commends Nathanael for his integrity, saying 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!' (John 1:47). May these examples inspire us to obey God's commandments and strive for a life rooted in Him (John 14:23).
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