What does the word “baptism” mean? It means: to be immersed into. So when we say the Jesus was “baptized” it does not mean that He was baptized the way we were baptized. What it does mean is that, Jesus was immersed into the waters of the Jordan River.

For us, Baptism is the first of the seven Sacraments of the Church. In order to belong to the Roman Catholic Church you need to be baptized. At the moment of Baptism all traces of “original sin” are cleansed from our souls. The life of faith is open before us. We are truly made a member of the Church and of God’s holy people.

When we are baptized we are baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist did not know anything about the Holy Trinity, even though the Holy Trinity is made apparent at the Jordan River on that occasion. John the Baptist does not even want to immerse Jesus in the water. John knows who Jesus is and even points Him out to others. Yet, Jesus asks John to let it happen so that others may see, know and learn.

Baptism, the Baptism we receive, has the same effect. We can now see with the eyes of faith, we know this hidden interior life of faith will grow if nurtured properly, and welearn about the ways of faith though the efforts of our parents and sponsors (god- parents).

It has always been the case that some parents (and god-parents) treat baptism as a social occasion, lets get it over with so the party can begin. Many times for these families faith is something that is put on when it is needed. But, for those families whose faith is strong, Baptism is a moment of grace, a beginning of a new life, a journey with God, the angels and the saints.