Baptism Homilies for an infant (Ezekiel 36: 24-28; Mark 10:13-16)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is a day of great joy as we gather to celebrate the baptism of this precious child. In the sacrament of baptism, we witness the marvelous work of God's grace – the beginning of new life in Christ, the washing away of original sin, and the welcoming of a new member into our Catholic family.

The readings we have heard today speak powerfully to what is happening in this sacred moment. In our first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, we hear the Lord's promise: "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

What a beautiful image of baptism! God promises not just an external washing, but an interior transformation – a new heart and a new spirit. This is precisely what happens in the waters of baptism. Though we cannot see it with our physical eyes, a profound spiritual reality takes place as the water flows over this child's head. Original sin is washed away, and God plants the seeds of faith, hope, and love in this young soul.

In our Gospel reading, we see Jesus' special love for children. When the disciples tried to keep the children away, thinking they were bothering the Master, Jesus became indignant. "Let the little children come to me," he said, "do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." And then he took them in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Today, Jesus continues to welcome children. Through the hands of the Church, through this sacred ritual, Jesus himself embraces this child, blesses this child, and claims this child as his own. What the disciples tried to prevent, Jesus actively encourages. He wants the little ones to come to him because the kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike faith – those who trust completely, love openly, and receive God's gifts with joy and wonder.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that baptism is "the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments" (CCC 1213). Today, we are witnessing this gateway being opened for this child.

Each element of the baptismal rite carries deep meaning. The anointing with the Oil of Catechumens strengthens this child with Christ's power to resist evil. The sacred waters cleanse and give new life. The anointing with Sacred Chrism marks this child as belonging to Christ – the word "Christ" itself means "anointed one." The white garment symbolizes putting on Christ and the purity of the soul now cleansed from sin. And the lighted candle, lit from the Easter candle, represents Christ the Light of the World, whose light now shines in this child's life.

To the parents and godparents present today: you have a sacred responsibility. In requesting baptism for this child, you are accepting the duty to raise this child in the practice of the faith. As Pope Francis reminds us, "Parents are the first teachers of the faith." Your example will shape how this child comes to know God's love. The way you pray, the values you live by, your participation in the sacraments – all of these will form this child's understanding of what it means to be Catholic.

Today's reading from Ezekiel contains another beautiful promise from God: "You shall be my people, and I will be your God." In baptism, God claims this child as His own. This child becomes part of God's family, the Church. No longer just a child of human parents, this little one becomes a child of God, incorporated into Christ's Body.

To all of us gathered here today: we too have a responsibility. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that baptism is not a private family event but a celebration of the whole Church. Each baptism strengthens and renews the entire Body of Christ. As a parish community, we promise to help nurture this child's faith through our prayers, our witness, and our welcome.

When we see the innocence and trust of a child, we are reminded of our own call to childlike faith. Jesus tells us that we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child. Children trust completely. They love without reservation. They forgive quickly. They approach life with wonder and joy. These are qualities that we adults often lose along the way, but which baptism calls us to reclaim.

As we continue with this celebration, let us be mindful of our own baptismal promises. Each of us was once where this child is today. The same waters washed over us. The same Spirit descended upon us. The same Christ claimed us as His own. Let this baptism renew in all of us an appreciation for the incredible gift of our Catholic faith and the sacramental life.

May God, who has begun this good work in this child, bring it to completion. May this child grow in wisdom, age, and grace. And may all of us, through the grace of our baptism, continue to grow in holiness and love.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.