Baptism and Belonging

Last Sunday, I had the joy and privilege of baptizing my granddaughter, Astrid. It was not the first time I’ve baptized a grandchild, and in that way, it was not entirely new. But it was, as all baptisms are, uniquely sacred. Each time I stand at the font with someone I love, especially someone from my own family, I am reminded of just how personal this sacrament really is.

In the Episcopal Church, we talk about baptism as both full of grace and full of meaning. Baptism is a sacrament, which means it is one of those moments where the veil between the ordinary and the holy is especially thin. Through water and prayer, we believe something real happens: God acts. God claims. God blesses. And all of us: child, family, and church, are changed.

When we baptize, we begin with simple things: water, oil, touch, words. But we believe the Holy Spirit moves in those simple things in powerful ways. Baptism is not just a symbol. It is a mystery of belonging. All children and people are loved by God, but baptism formally welcomes us into the Body of Christ. Baptism is an outward expression that we can remember and be strengthened by as a sign of God’s love written deeply into our life.

What I love about baptism is that it reminds me, again and again, that grace is not something we earn. Astrid did not do anything to deserve the grace she received. She did not recite a creed, pass a test, or decide to join the church. And yet, God showed up. The Spirit poured out. The promises were made. And the community, her parents, godparents, extended family, and the congregation gathered, took responsibility for walking with her, guiding her, and loving her into a life shaped by faith.

That is one of the most beautiful things about baptism in our tradition: it is never just about the individual. It is personal, yes, but never private. When we gather around the font, we gather as a community. We make vows. We promise to support the baptized person in their life in Christ. That is not small. It is not ceremonial fluff. It is a real commitment, and one that forms the heart of our life together.

In the Episcopal Church, we only baptize once. But we renew our baptismal promises regularly, at times like Easter, Christmas, and at other times during the year. And those promises are not just spiritual ideas. They are real life commitments: to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to persevere in resisting evil, to strive for justice and peace. And every time we say, “I will, with God’s help,” we are leaning into the grace that was given to us at our own baptism.

t is easy to forget sometimes that God’s “yes” to us comes long before we ever say yes in return. That is part of what’s so powerful about baptizing infants. It reminds us of something essential about God’s love: it is freely given. It is unconditional. It does not wait for us to understand or deserve it. It just is. And that means, no matter what roads Astrid walks in life, no matter how her faith grows, deepens, questions, or wrestles, she belongs to God. She is marked as Christ’s own forever.

Of course, that does not mean she will be shielded from life’s challenges. Baptism is not a guarantee of an easy path. But it is a grounding. It is a way of saying: “You are not alone. You belong. You are beloved.” And that is something she, and all of us, can return to again and again.

Each baptism I have been part of, whether it has been for one of my grandchildren or for a new member of the parish, has carried its own special beauty. Each one is a fresh reminder that the Church is alive, that God is still calling people into deeper relationship, and that grace keeps flowing. Astrid’s baptism, like the others before hers, was a gift, not just for her, but for all of us who were there to witness it.

If you haven’t thought about your own baptism in a while, I invite you to. Maybe light a candle, look at an old photo, or pray through the Baptismal Covenant again. Remember that you are part of something bigger than yourself, something full of grace, love, and purpose.

And if you haven’t been baptized, or if there is someone in your family who hasn’t, and you feel a stirring or curiosity about it, I would be glad to talk with you. Baptism is always a beginning, never a conclusion. It is about grace, community, and saying yes to the life God is offering. Reach out, and we will walk that path together.

Thanks be to God for Astrid, for grace, and for the holy gift of belonging.

Kevin+