Embracing the Unbreakable Bond: Why Baptism Holds Eternal Promise

As someone who shares my struggles with my faith and religion, I’m often asked what led me to stop attending Mass, and what led to my return to the Catholic Church. I’m one of many people who has questioned Catholicism and organized religion itself. Religion can be comforting for some and painful for others. I often hear stories from friends who have left the church for various reasons with no intention to return.

Through prayer, I was able to ask God for His help in leading me to wherever he wanted me to be. I had contemplated other religions and none that I explored felt authentic to me, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was that made me feel this way. After reading a recent article written by Catholic priest, Father Billy Swan, I was finally able to pinpoint it. I realized that the Catholic Church has never abandoned me, even in my times of turmoil. The Church was always waiting for me, whenever I decided I was ready to come back. Father Swan writes about himself, and of Bishop Robert Barron, and how they view those who wish to leave the Church, as well as those who wish to never return.

In a world where shifts in faith and affiliation occur, the unshakable commitment of the Church to its members stands as a beacon of hope. Bishop Barron’s reflections remind us of the ‘nones’ and those who have disaffiliated from the Church, prompting contemplation on the depth of their departure.

The account of a young man seeking to sever ties with the Church highlights the profound connection formed through the sacrament of Baptism. It’s not a mere administrative record; it’s an indelible spiritual seal that forever identifies us as God’s own. The analogy of a birthright resonates — just as a child’s inheritance remains intact despite distance, so does the Church’s love and hope for those who have drifted away.

This love finds roots in ancient times, seen in God’s fidelity to an unfaithful Israel. The prodigal son’s tale paints an eloquent picture: a son’s mistakes cannot erase his identity as an heir. Paul’s teachings on divine sonship reveal that we are adopted by the Father, sharing in His inheritance through Baptism.

The Church’s refusal to cancel baptismal records isn’t a bureaucratic decision; it’s a testament to unyielding love. The Church holds tight to the promises made on the day of Baptism, mirroring God’s unwavering devotion. God’s chosen remain chosen, even if they waver or stray.

The encounter with the disaffiliated youth, although met with initial anger, mirrors the transformative journey of St. Paul — a fervent critic turned passionate advocate. Just as God transformed Paul, there’s boundless potential for this young man. The Church’s prayers continue, echoing the sentiment that no one is forgotten.

In the world of change, this truth stands unwavering: God and the Church never give up on those who have left. Like the prodigal son’s room, the door is always open. So, as we seek to re-engage and bring back the disaffiliated, let this profound theology inspire our actions and fill our efforts with unending hope. The Church’s love remains eternal, a light guiding us all back to our spiritual home. That love is what brought me home.