Baby Baptism

 I have done a lot of baby baptisms in my priesthood.  Squirming, crying babies is a great metaphor for what baptism is all about.  The baby is being taken out of its routine and whines about it, as do babies.  They want what they want when they want it.  Cold water on their body, fussing with their clothes is most inconvenient.  What a metaphor for the Christian way of life, the cross.  Baptism is seen by many as simply heavenly life insurance.  The way of the cross is buried.  Who would want baptism if they knew it was about sacrifice, overcoming your self-will, especially when it runs riot, being of service to others, selflessly, without whining?  For many, just going to a religious service once a week is way beyond their “busy” life.  It is the same in recovery.  If the newcomer knew what was needed down the road, they might just not bother to come in the door.  In recovery whining is acceptable for newcomers.  They are babies in non-addictive behavior.  The others, more mature in recovery, are of service to help the newcomer to grow up.