I am often asked why does the Church baptise infants when the baby has no choice in the matter? Some propose that the child is forced into an action without consent. Apart from the facts that the resurrected Lord commands us to baptise others (Mt. 28:19) and entire households were baptised in the early Church (Acts 18:8), I remind people that this same child had no ‘say’ as to the date, time and place of birth. The conception of the child is based on the union of the parents. The time and place of birth is defined by the lives and circumstances of the parents, not the consent of the child. ‘Normal’ birth of a child is a result of the love of the parents. ‘New’ birth is result of the love of our God. Jesus told Nicodemus that one must be ‘born from above’ to see the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3). This birth from above is only possible through God who makes all things new (Rev. 21:5) and whose love recreates in us a new spirit, heart and life (Ez. 36:26). As adults, we have a choice to draw close to God. We are free to give our consent to God’s reign in our lives. But neither choice nor consent is possible without the grace that comes from our God. Our salvation starts and ends with God. Today, give Him thanks. Loving Father, You knew me before I was born and called me into life. May Your grace and mercy empower me to live as Your child, and walk in Your ways so as to inherit life in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

READINGS

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