I have just returned from celebrating a baptism which was held
in the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph here in Auckland.
The words of today's Gospel taken from John 20:19-31 are particularly relevant.
The little girl baptized has received life, life through his name, as the water was poured upon
her head, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit just as we all have who have been baptized . That life is available to us because Christ is Risen and we continue to celebrate his living presence among us in this Easter Season. We believe and happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.
The little girl was carried openly and publicly by her parents from the foyer of the Cathedral to the font because they wanted their precious daughter to share in the life of Christ that they had
received and enjoyed in their life time and that had been handed onto them.
May we all have a sense of openness and courage to share our faith and that any doors that close us in be recognized and overcome. Christ wants to bring peace and life to those cut off places. 'Peace be with you.'
We broke into spontaneous applause to welcome our new baby Christian. We were experiencing together the joy of new life in Christ just as 'the disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord.'
Listen to Dance of the Dolphin from Under Southern Stars
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