On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we recognize the need for the Sacrament of Baptism for the salvation of our souls.  Baptism is required, as the ordinary way one can get to Heaven.  Therefore, it behooves each and every Christian parent to secure this beautiful Sacrament for your child, when they are still a baby!  Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, even God, Himself.  He showed us the value and need for this Sacrament by instituting it Himself in the river Jordan.  He  didn’t need it, we do!

It is incumbent upon the parent to have their child baptized in the Catholic Faith within one to three months after birth.  The reason for Baptism is the salvation of the soul.  The Sacrament of Baptism leaves an indelible mark which claims the soul for Christ.  Each child is anointed with Holy Oils during the ritual.  The pouring of water in three-fold form (in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit) fills the child’s soul with sanctifying grace, wipes away the stain of original sin, casts away Satan, and claims that soul for Christ to be with Him, forever!  The child take their first steps in faith and toward God through the example and commitment of the parents and Godparents (who must be confirmed, at least 16 years of age, and Catholic). 

The beauty of Baptism is how the ritual makes the soul pleasing to God.  His Spirit now dwells in them.  They are now claimed for Christ.  It is the most important role the parent engages in—saving the soul of the child.  To bring them up in the True Faith, to indoctrinate them in Her Holy Teachings, to inculcate their minds and souls with the Truths of Christ, this is the sacred duty of parents.  It is an awesome and serious responsibility, and is never to be neglected in any way! 

So, today we give thanks for our own Baptism.  We thank God that we merit such love and purpose.  We give thanks that God wills we be in eternity with Him.  All because of this beautiful Sacrament we call Baptism.