The Seed of Baptism

When a new baby is announced it is a moment of incredible joy and wonder. We look at the little face and the miniature features and we are in awe. Why?

Perhaps we are in awe of how everything is present in the little bundle, all the genetic material is there for growing into a full adult.

Perhaps we are in awe of the great mystery of life, and that the heart and soul of this new being will be tested, and will suffer much and also experience great joys.

At baptism we are born again as a child of God. We are set on a journey to become Christ in the world. The Holy Spirit fills us and provides all that we need to become a Christ in the world. All the divine genetic material is there, just like a seed planted in in the ground. If we can perceive how the whole tree is potentially present in a tiny seed, then we can glimpse the profound mystery of baptism.

As we behold the vulnerability and potentiality of an infant gazing up at us, let us call to mind the seed of baptism within each of us. Are we protecting, and nurturing this infinite potential, this boundless grace? We look all around us for what we think we need when its already there, planted within us.