The Gift of an Identity (12/28/2025)

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. In our family, it is a special feast because it marks the anniversary of the baptism of our three oldest grandchildren. Two were baptized in 1997 at the same Mass; one was baptized two years later after Mass. So, whenever the feast rolls around, my mind returns to those happy and monumental moments.

As we were preparing as a family in the basement of the church in 1997, my own son noticed my joy and excitement and asked about his own baptism. “Why did you have us baptized?” And that day I explained to my own three grown children what was behind my desire for them to be baptized.

“As your mother, I wanted only the best for each of you. And I knew with all my heart and mind that meant a life in the LORD. So, I brought you to be baptized. I knew you would struggle as all of us do trying to figure out who you are. I wanted you to have an identity that no one could take from you, that you could rely upon and build upon all the days of your life. So, I brought you to Christ. You are his. You bear his name. You are Christian. Hopefully that will help to guide you throughout your lives.

“I knew that there would be many struggles throughout your life, many times of darkness and uncertainty, that is part of every journey. And so, I wanted you to know Christ, the light of the world, the light no darkness can extinguish, not even a tomb.

"I knew that I could not raise you alone. I knew it was going to take more than me, and so in bringing you for baptism, I knew the whole community of Christians would be there for you. They promised. That is part of baptism.”

And so, this day, as I prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family in my own way, my mind goes back to my own baptism and the role of being a Christian in my own life. I recall the baptisms of my own children and my desire for them that precipitated their baptisms.

And I think of the next generation, my grandchildren, who are Christian as well. I offer to the LORD this day my own life again and pray for my loved ones whom I hope will understand always the great gift of their identity as Christians, as beloved disciples of Christ, as daughters and sons of the living LORD. In this uncertain time, one cannot overestimate the gift of such an identity.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.