Baptism, the Way to Community

(Henri J M Nouwen, Bread for the Journey)

Baptism is more than a way to spiritual freedom. It is also the way to community. Baptizing a person, whether child or adult, is receiving that person into the community of faith. Those who are reborn from above through baptism, and are called to live the life of sons and daughters of God, belong together as members of one spiritual family, the living body of Christ. When we baptize people, we welcome them into this family of God and offer them guidance, support, and formation as they grow to the full maturity of the Christ-like life.