Baptism ​Preparation

Why do we baptize ​infants, especially when ​they have no sin or guilt?

 

Let’s turn to the Gospel of Matthew 3:13-17, ​where we see Jesus Himself being baptized ​by John in the Jordan River. Now, Christ ​had no sin — He is the Son of God, perfect ​and holy. So why did He accept baptism?

 

The answer lies in understanding what this ​event truly represents. Christ’s baptism ​wasn’t for His own cleansing or repentance, ​but rather a moment that revealed ​something extraordinary. After Jesus ​emerged from the water, the heavens ​opened, and a voice was heard saying, “This ​is my beloved Son, in whom I am well ​pleased.”

 

This divine affirmation shows us that ​through Christ, humanity is adopted into ​God’s family. Just as Christ, the Son of God, ​was proclaimed the beloved, through our ​baptism, we too are welcomed as children ​of God.

 

Infants indeed have no personal guilt or sin. But they, like all of us, live in a world marked by the first fall of ​Adam and Eve. After that first disobedience, humans were inclined to put their interests before God’s will. ​This tendency, known as original sin, is what baptism washes away. It doesn’t mean the child is born sinful, ​but rather that they, like all of us, inherit this world’s brokenness and need the grace of God.

 

In baptism, even infants receive the grace that unites them to Christ. Just as Christ was sinless but still ​chose to be baptized, the innocent infant enters into God’s covenant. Through baptism, the child receives ​adoption from God and becomes part of His family.

 

Baptism as Adoption

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Imagine a child who is alone, with no family. Then one day, a loving parent steps in and adopts ​this child. Suddenly, this child, who once had no family, is part of something greater—a new ​home, a new family, a new future.

 

This is what happens in baptism. Whether an infant or an adult, the baptized person is adopted ​by God, becoming part of the divine family. The Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—​embraces them. They are no longer alone, but surrounded by the love of God, Christ as their ​brother, and the Church as their new family of brothers and sisters.

 

Baptism and the Struggle ​with Sin

 

It’s important to note that baptism doesn’t automatically free us from temptation or sin. Even ​after baptism, we continue to face struggles and desires that can pull us away from God. But ​the difference is that, through baptism, we are no longer alone in that struggle.

 

Our Father will help us. Even when we fall into sin, we have the sacrament of Repentance—a way ​to return to God, much like the story of the prodigal son returning to his father’s house. Baptism ​marks the beginning of this lifelong journey with God, where His grace and love guide us.

 

 

The Holy Trinity and Our ​New Family

 

In baptism, something very special happens—something that reflects the Holy Trinity. The ​Father adopts us, Christ becomes our brother, and the Holy Spirit lives within us. Together, we ​enter into the divine family, surrounded by the love and protection of God.

 

So, why do we baptize infants? We baptize them so they, too, can be adopted by God, just as we ​were. They receive this gift of grace, not through any merit of their own, but because God freely ​offers it to them, welcoming them into His family.

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Lesson #2

 

The Role of Parents and Godparents in Baptism

 

The role of parents and godparents in the sacrament of baptism is sacred and enduring. It is not only a commitment to the child being baptized but also a promise to live out the Christian faith as an example for them. By providing spiritual guidance, parents and godparents help ensure that the child grows in faith, love, and commitment to Christ throughout their life. Through their vows, they pledge to walk alongside the child, nurturing their relationship with God and helping them navigate the challenges and joys of living a Christian life.

 

 Responsibilities of Parents

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When parents present their child for baptism, they take on a significant responsibility. They aren’t simply participating in a ritual, but committing themselves to raising the child within the Christian faith. This commitment involves teaching the child how to pray, instructing them in the teachings of Christ, and guiding them to participate in the sacraments of the Church.

Parents must model the faith they wish their child to grow into. This includes attending Liturgy, engaging in family prayers, and living a life that reflects Christian values. It is through their example that the child will come to understand what it means to be a follower of Christ.

 

 Role of Godparents

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The role of the godparent is not merely symbolic. Godparents are selected to act as spiritual guides for the child, providing additional support to the parents in nurturing the child’s faith. They stand as witnesses to the baptism, but their role extends beyond the ceremony.

Godparents serve as role models of the faith, stepping in to offer guidance when needed, and ensuring that the child continues to grow in their Christian life. In many ways, they act as a second set of parents in spiritual matters. This role is especially important if the parents themselves encounter difficulties in raising their child in the faith.

 

Commitment to Faith

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During the baptism ceremony, both parents and godparents are asked to make a series of vows. They renounce sin, profess their faith in Christ, and promise to guide the child in that same faith. These vows reflect a lifelong promise, not just a one-time act.

The commitment made during baptism is profound. Parents and godparents are promising to be active participants in the child’s spiritual life, ensuring they are brought up in the faith. This includes teaching Christian values, encouraging participation in the sacraments, and helping the child navigate moral decisions throughout their life.

 

The Vows at Baptism

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At the baptismal font, parents and godparents are asked to make several important promises. They vow to renounce sin and profess their belief in God, the Holy Trinity. These vows are not made lightly; they represent the formal commitment to raise the child as a Christian and to live out the faith themselves.

By renouncing sin and professing their faith, parents and godparents are affirming their role as the primary guides in the child’s spiritual journey. They acknowledge that the child, while unable to make these decisions for themselves, will be led in the right direction by their example and teaching.

 

The Importance of Being a Role Model

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One of the most important aspects of raising a child in the faith is modeling Christian behavior. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse reminds us that children learn through the example of those around them.

For parents and godparents, this means living out the faith in their own lives. Attending Liturgy, participating in sacraments, engaging in family prayer, and demonstrating love and forgiveness in daily interactions are all ways to model the Christian life. By doing so, they create a living example for the child to follow, ensuring that the faith is not just taught, but lived.