Don’t all parents wonder what their child will be? Isn’t every mom and dad filled with hope for their son or daughter? With most Catholics baptized as infants, it is the faith of the parents that nurtures the child as he or she grows to maturity. Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River was another manifestation of his human and divine natures. He was revealed as the “Beloved Son.” In this, he was not so different from any son or daughter who is being raised today. The challenge for parents is to help their children understand the meaning of the divine life that is theirs.
In the baptismal rite we hear the words: “God the Father has freed you from sin, given you new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.” By our baptism we are challenged to sanctify the places where we live and work. We, the people of God, live the Jesus we know through goodness and kindness.
