06/01/2024

Kit's Baptism - Christopher John Hollander

This morning – without the audio-visuals – is what is taking place here. Godios sayin, “Kit, you are my beloved. I want for you the best quality of life that is possible.

”Today we come together to  celebrate Kit’s Baptism – a date wonderfully/fortunately  chosen: The feast of The Epiphany, (from Greek epiphaneia, (manifestation”), one of the three principal and oldest festival days of the Christian church, commemorating the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, and the manifestation of his divinity, as it occurred at his baptism in the Jordan River and at his first miracle, at a wedding feast at Cana in Galilee.  

Conversion of water to wine, of the Original Testament to the New Testament, today, for Kit, conversion into the life of Christ, his Christening.

The Magi – the wise men (not kings) - came to give their gifts as tokens of their commitment to – and recognition of the identity of the new child. Today, Kit’s godparents  - as ambassadors of The Holy Spirit - are here to pledge their commitment and loyalty to this new child.

How Christlike his life will be – and thus how fulfilled and fulfilling it will be,- will depend on his education – from his friends , which should, and I am sure will, include his family and godparents – as well as me while  am still around in space-time. Role models, especially at home, shape values and preferred life-styles with virtues rather than vices.

For me, life is a spiritual gymnasium in which I can acquire the virtues that enable me to live life to the full – and slow down my ageing. It can be the same for Kit – and all of you here.

A decent workout in a gym can hurt, but is worth the pain as the outcome is fitness and health.

So, dear Kit, today you are given all the kit you need to live a delightful life. 

I pray your life will be a delight.