I get a tremendous pleasure from being involved in welcoming new members to our faith in the Sacrament of Baptism. A few seconds before this picture was taken, this young lad and I were looking into each other’s eyes, each of us grinning widely. I know not what was on his mind – but I do know that in that shared glance he reminded me of the awesome joy it is to be permitted to be a part of life’s faith journey.
It reminded me of a reflection by one of my favourite authors, John Shea – which I would like to share with you …….
A Prayer at Baptism
I must remember, Johnny,
to tell you —
perhaps on some teen day
when your loneliness is as loud as a rock concert
how
fresh from the bent space
you came among us
in a new womb of blankets.
You belched and laughed and wailed,
your face as friendly as a dog’s tail.
We did rites over you
with all the ceremony of a primitive tribe
painting their babies.
Your grandfather,
his thumb the trunk of a tree
winter could not break,
traced a cross on your forehead
like a man signing a will.
Your parents held you under a waterfall of grace
and your sleeping suddenly sat up and stared
into the funny faces of our love.
We made you our own
by making you God’s.
Your uncle Len played paparazzo
and has the evidence of all this in a box
somewhere.
Afterwards
you slept
and we ate and drank and laughed
and knew
our love would outlast diamonds.
I must remember, Johnny, to tell you.