Today I listened to Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz on Baptism.
Fr. Mike shared a beautiful baptism comparison I want to share with all of you.
Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:3-5
The faith of the paralytic's friends is compared to the faith of parents and godparents asking for their infant or child to be baptized.
I love this comparison!
The gift of Faith.
Someone spoke words of faith for me and now it is my response to God that speaks.
Questions often asked...
258. Why does the Church baptize infants?
The church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into the realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God.
Further reading: CCC 1250
259. What is required of one who is to be baptized?
Everyone who is to be baptized is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the Church in the case of infants. Also the godfather or the godmother and the whole ecclesial community share the responsibility for baptismal preparation (catechumenate) as well as for the development and safeguarding of the faith and grace given at baptism.
Further reading: CCC 1253-1255
Jesus said, "Let the children come to me." Matthew 19:14
Bring them to Jesus.
He says, Baptism is necessary.
Someone spoke words of faith for me and now it is my response to God that speaks.
“Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2
"Years ago, I was presenting to a group comprised mostly of Southern Baptist seniors. We were talking about Philippians and the distinction between Law and Gospel, but the people in the class were very interested in the Lutheran teaching about Baptism. “Don’t you Lutherans baptize babies?” “Yes, indeed,” I answered. “How can you do that if they haven’t made a decision for Christ?” “We think of Baptism differently,” I responded. “The Baptist faith and message teaches that Baptism is our first act of obedience, that it is our work, our action. We Lutherans understand that Baptism is God’s work, His gift of forgiveness to us. Just about the only thing babies are good at is receiving gifts.” To impress the point, I asked, “How many of you are grandparents?” The entire room raised their hands. “Okay, what would you say if I told you not to give gifts to your grandchildren? Their first Christmas: no gifts. Their first birthday: no gifts. In fact, I don’t want you to give them any gifts until they reach the age where they can ask for gifts and truly appreciate them.” A dear old grandmother sitting in the back said, with a shaky voice, “Point made!” Baptism is God’s gift to us. In Baptism, God delivers His promised forgiveness, the very same forgiveness won by Jesus in His death. By the death and resurrection of Jesus, and by His institution, Baptism saves."
Has American Christianity Failed by Bryan Wolfmueller
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