I don’t remember my baptism, and I am sure there are many, if not most, of those reading this who are in the same boat. So, isn’t it interesting that throughout the year, whenever there are baptisms or on certain feast days, like the baptism of Christ, we are called to remember our own baptisms?

What does it mean to be called to remember something that you don’t remember? 

Well, memory in the Church works in a bit of a funny way. As the Church, we remember things past, present and future. Memory in the Church is more than just the memories of an individual. Rather, the memory of the Church are the memories of a community, stretching through the ages. Therefore, sometimes things that happened before we were born, or from very early in our lives, are remembered to us. 

So, while I don’t remember my baptism, I also kind of do. Throughout my life, I have had that memory held for me by others, and shared with me – remembered to me. 

Every time I witness a baptism, I remember my own, and I remember God’s great love for me. 

Every time I pause at the font and touch the waters within, I remember my baptism, and remember the community that I have been welcomed in to – my family and home. 

Every time we come to the feast of the baptism of Christ, I remember my baptism, and I remember the promises made on my behalf by my parents and godparents, promises that I affirmed at my confirmation, promises of my responsibility as part of the Holy Church of God, promises that I continue to make: to continue in the breaking of bread and prayers, to resist evil, to repent and return to the Lord, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace, and to safeguard God’s creation. I will with God’s help! We will with God’s help. 

On this Sunday of the baptism of the Lord, and every time you see, and hear, and feel the waters of life, remember your baptism. Remember. Remember. Remember. 

 

Thanks be to God!

 

CG+