Today was grandbaby Kaleb’s baptism. Wikipedia defines “baptism” as “the ritual act, with the use of water, by which a person is admitted to membership of the Church.” Not to be confused with “christening” which is defined as “to give a baby a Christian name at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian church.”
I always wondered what the difference was. Kaleb was given a Hawaiian name at baptism so I guess it doesn’t count as a “christening.” So confusing.
We are so clueless when it comes to religious rituals. We are at the front of the church, the ceremony is at the back. As we are “sneaking” to the back to see the baptism, I notice the good people of the congregation waving us along - like “it’s OK, it’s OK! So I’m trying to snap pictures while the guys in the green robes keep getting in the way. (We all have our priorities). They recite their ritual verbiage while anointing the baby with oil in the middle of his forehead. Are they attuning the sixth chakra? Opening the third eye? How cool is that!
Just when I think it’s over it’s time to pour water on the baby’s head. How could I forget that part? I’m so busy trying to get a good photograph that I’m not keeping track of the festivities. Finally, they finish up and we all go back to our seats. This is pretty much over, right?
It was then it occurred to me that all of these people are actually there for Mass, not for the baptism of MY grandson. I’m actually at a Catholic Mass - how weird is that?? We are seated and realize everyone is standing - oops! Up we pop! Then the choir is singing and I’m happily snapping pictures when I discover that everyone is singing and this is part of the program. Oops again! How loooong does this last? When do we eat? This is just not my territory.
Doesn’t the bible make some reference to “let them be like children”? Yet, the children who are laughing and being childlike are getting in trouble. I just don’t get it.
People are sleeping, reading, whispering to each other, looking around the room, bouncing crying babies and disciplining laughing children. Is anybody actually listening to the guy in the green robe?
I guess there are many paths to walk and this is just one of them. All in all we enjoyed our day, interacted with many gracious people, and can now be assured that our grandson will be admitted to heaven. Amen.
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