As a mother of five children and an aunt to 26 more, I have attended my fair share of baptisms. They are always beautiful and joyful occasions, celebrations of a new member being added to God’s family. But most of them have also had their mishaps, as tends to happen when little kids are involved. Whether it be a last minute dirty diaper, an older sibling running up to the baptismal font right in the middle of the ceremony, or the baby screaming during the whole affair, baptisms, like most moments in life, are not perfect.
What is perfect is the sacramental and sanctifying grace that is poured into the soul of the newly baptized. What is perfect is the great love that God has for us in granting us this palpable moment of unity with Him. What is perfect is this opportunity for family and friends to witness an indelible mark being placed on the baby’s soul, sealing them for an eternity with God.
In today’s Gospel, we read about the Baptism of Jesus. What a powerful witness that the Son of God Himself chose to be baptized by a human being. What a powerful manifestation of the Holy Trinity, both audibly and visibly present. What a powerful way to show us just how important baptism is.
I invite you to place yourself in this moment. Imagine the confusion of John the Baptist, being asked to baptize God. Imagine the awe of the others present upon seeing the heavens being opened. Imagine their fright when a voice boomed down from the heavens. Did the bystanders run away in fear? Did they kneel in adoration? Did they stand there frozen in shock? What would you do? What are you feeling called to do now, in this moment, as you reflect upon this passage?
Como madre de cinco hijos y tía de 26 más, he asistido a bastantes bautizos. Siempre son ocasiones hermosas y alegres, celebraciones de la llegada de un nuevo miembro a la familia de Dios. Pero la mayoría también han tenido sus contratiempos, como suele ocurrir con los niños pequeños. Ya sea un pañal sucio a última hora, un hermano mayor corriendo a la pila bautismal en medio de la ceremonia, o el bebé llorando durante todo el evento, los bautizos, como la mayoría de los momentos de la vida, no son perfectos.
Algo que sí es perfecto es la gracia sacramental y santificadora que se derrama en el alma del recién bautizado. Algo que sí es perfecto es el gran amor que Dios nos tiene al concedernos este momento palpable de unidad con Él. Algo que sí es perfecto es esta oportunidad para que familiares y amigos sean testigos de cómo se deja una marca indeleble en el alma del bebé, sellándolo para la eternidad con Dios.
En el Evangelio de hoy, leemos sobre el Bautismo de Jesús. Qué poderoso testimonio que el propio Hijo de Dios eligiera ser bautizado por un ser humano. Qué poderosa manifestación de la Santísima Trinidad, tanto audible como visiblemente presente. Qué poderosa manera de mostrarnos la importancia del bautismo.
Los invito a ponerse en la escena. Imaginen la confusión de Juan el Bautista al ser invitado a bautizar a Dios. Imaginen el asombro de los presentes al ver los cielos abrirse. Imaginen su miedo cuando una voz resonó desde el cielo. ¿Los presentes huyeron por miedo? ¿Se arrodillaron en adoración? ¿Se quedaron paralizados por el shock? ¿Qué harían ustedes? ¿Qué se sienten llamados a hacer ahora, en este momento, al reflexionar sobre este pasaje?
Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.
Feature Image Credit: Unknown Artist, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/baptism-of-christ-22148/
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