We all want to be happy, don’t we? Jesus promises that if we follow Him, we will receive a hundredfold return even here on earth (cf. Matt. 19:29).
That journey begins with Baptism—the first step toward becoming true disciples of Him.
At times, we forget the profound meaning of this sacrament. Being Christian is not simply about “having been baptized”; it is about living out our Baptism every day. That is why receiving it from a young age is such an extraordinary gift.
1) We receive the Holy Spirit.
From the moment of Baptism, the Holy Spirit begins to work within us. Even though a baby may not yet understand what is happening, their soul receives divine strength that will help them grow in faith and become more like Jesus.
2) We enter the great family of the Church.
Through Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ—the Church. From childhood, we are united in communion with the saints in heaven and with Christians throughout the world. We are never alone: we belong to a vast spiritual family that prays for us and walks with us.
3) Original sin is erased.
We are born separated from God because of original sin, but Baptism washes away that wound and fills us with his grace. Although our inclination toward sin remains, we are no longer distant from God. He gives us a new heart.
4) We become adopted children of God.
Through Baptism, we become brothers and sisters of Christ and, therefore, children of God the Father. This is a radical transformation: we are no longer merely God’s creatures—we become members of his family. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains (no. 1265), we are made a new creation in Christ.
5) We gain a Mother in Heaven.
If we are brothers and sisters of Jesus, then Mary is truly our Mother. She intercedes for us and lovingly watches over us from heaven, especially when we are young and in need of protection. Is there a more tender mother than the Virgin Mary?
A heartfelt thank you
If you were baptized as a baby, take a moment to thank your parents. They gave you the greatest gift possible: new life in Christ. And if you are a parent, do not hesitate to offer this same gift to your children. Baptism is not merely a tradition—it is the beginning of a life of grace.
“Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213).