Holy Priest-Martyr Athenogenes and His Ten Disciples (284-305).
1 Corinthians 12:12-26. Matthew 18:18-22. 19:1-2, 13-15.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
St. Paul writes, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” This verse captures the unity we experience as members of the Church.
I often think back to my childhood, witnessing our priest baptize infants during the Sunday Liturgy. These moments were profoundly moving, with the entire parish gathered to celebrate the newest member of our spiritual family. Looking back, while joyful, I don’t believe we all recognized the significance of welcoming a new member into the Body of Christ.
Baptism is not just a ritual; it signifies the beginning of a new life in God’s grace and an entry into our community. When a person is baptized, they are embraced by the whole parish, becoming a co-pilgrim on our joint spiritual journey. Each baptism strengthens our community, enriching us all.
St. Paul’s analogy of the Church as the body of Christ perfectly illustrates this unity. Every new member, regardless of age, brings unique gifts to our community. Whether they are an infant, in the later years of their life, or somewhere in between, their conversion and baptism are moments of great joy for all of us. Conversion is essential, as it is how our communities grow. It is also not a one-time event; but a frequent occurrence in our daily lives, we should continually have be having conversion experiences. Such experiences are when we are vulnerable and encounter God, that is where He draw us closer to Him.
When we witness a baptism, it is a shared experience that reminds us of our commitment to Christ. It is a time to rejoice and reaffirm our commitment to support and help each other grow in holiness. By welcoming a new member, we embody the unity St. Paul describes. By lifting another member up or by recognizing the role that member plays in strengthening the entire body of Christ, we become a church in good order. Glory be to Jesus Christ!