Short Homily on infant Baptism (Exodus 17:3-7; Mark 10:13-16)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is a day of great joy as we welcome little [child's name] into the family of God through the sacrament of Baptism. In the midst of our Sunday celebration, we pause to witness this profound moment when God's grace touches a human soul in a special way, bringing new life in Christ.

Our readings today speak powerfully to this moment. In Exodus, we hear of the Israelites thirsting in the desert. They grumble against Moses, saying, "Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?" Moses cries out to the Lord, who instructs him to strike the rock at Horeb. When Moses does so, water flows from the rock, satisfying the people's thirst and confirming God's presence among them.

This story reminds us that God provides for His people even in the most barren places. The water from the rock was not just physical nourishment but a sign of God's faithful love. St. Paul would later write that "the rock was Christ" (1 Cor 10:4), showing us that Jesus is the source of living water that quenches our deepest spiritual thirst.

In our Gospel, we see Jesus welcoming the little children. When the disciples tried to prevent people from bringing children to Jesus, he became indignant and said, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Jesus then embraced the children, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.

These two passages together reveal something beautiful about baptism. Just as God provided water from the rock to sustain the Israelites' physical life, in baptism He provides the living water of grace to give spiritual life. And just as Jesus welcomed children, saying the kingdom of God belongs to them, today we bring this child to Jesus through baptism, confident that Christ welcomes them with open arms.

The Catechism teaches us that "Holy 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 witness this gateway opening for [child's name].

In a few moments, we will see the powerful symbols of baptism unfold. First, the anointing with the Oil of Catechumens, which strengthens with the power of Christ. Then the blessed water, which both cleanses from sin and brings forth new life. After baptism, the Sacred Chrism will mark this child as belonging to Christ. The white garment will symbolize putting on Christ and the purity of new life. Finally, the lighted candle, received from the Paschal Candle, represents Christ's light now shining in this child's life.

Parents and godparents, today you make promises on behalf of your child. You commit to raising them in the faith, teaching them to know and love God, and guiding them in the ways of Christ. This is a sacred responsibility, but remember that you are not alone. The entire Church supports you in this mission.

To all of us gathered here today: baptism reminds us of our own initiation into Christ's family. Each of us has been touched by that same living water. Each of us has been welcomed by Christ just as He welcomed the children. Pope Francis reminds us that "Baptism is not a formality! It is an act that touches the depths of our existence."

As we celebrate this baptism today, let us renew our own baptismal commitment. Let us remember that we too are called to drink deeply from Christ, the living water, and to approach God with the trust and openness of children. And let us commit ourselves to supporting this family as they begin this journey of faith with their child.

May God, who has begun this good work in [child's name], bring it to fulfillment. And may all of us continue to grow in the grace received at our own baptism, becoming ever more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Amen.