Our Baptismal Role

My husband and I have taken on the role of sponsoring couples preparing to have their child baptized in our parish cluster. We invite them into our home and talk about the Sacrament of Baptism while we share our experience as Catholic parents and offer our prayer and support. We discuss with the soon-to-be baptized parents the commitment they undertake when they decide to have their child baptized. 

During the baptismal rite, the celebrant tells the parents, “You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?”

That is no small feat! As parents, we are responsible for fostering the Catholic faith within our children and assisting their souls in getting to heaven! I can’t help but chuckle as I reflect on how much our toddler loves being a Catholic. We casually integrate Catholicism into our daily life to the point where it is normal for her to bless her stuffed animal raccoon with Holy Water or perform the Sign of the Cross when she wants to 'show off!'

Each time my husband and I meet with couples preparing for baptism, I am reminded of my baptismal role within the Kingdom of God. During baptism, we are anointed Priest, Prophet, and King. As the celebrant anoints the baptismal candidate with Chrism Oil, he says, “He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and Kind, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

The baptized serve as priests through sacrificial efforts to bring people to God. We have all heard the phrase, ‘Offering it up’ which is a great way to participate in the Kingdom of God. We are placing the needs of others above our own. The same rule applies to intercessory prayer! We are active members of the Kingdom of God when we pray for those around us.

The baptized serve as prophets through their witness to the truth in word and deed. This is where the power of testimony comes into play! We are allowed to share what the Lord has done in our lives with the expectation that He will also move in the lives of others.  We have the authority to speak life and truth to those around us!

And finally, the baptized serve as kings by using their talents to advance the Kingdom of God. We can work in union with the Holy Spirit by getting to know our Charisms, a spiritual gift that enables them to be a channel of God’s love and redeeming presence in the world.  

We are given a hands-on role through baptism in making the Kingdom of God known! What an honor it is to work alongside the Holy Spirit! My challenge for you this week is to spend time in prayer asking the Lord to reveal how you are fulfilling the roles of priest, prophet, and king!

Until next time, your sister in Christ,

Abby