Vatican II at 50: Children by Adoption
Because of a bill signed into law by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it is now illegal for U.S. Citizens to adopt children from Russia. The measure, which took effect January 1st, is retaliation against a new U.S. Law which punishes Russian citizens who violate human rights. Not surprisingly, the bill has caused much controversy and consternation. It has also sparked renewed conversation about adoption. From Biblical times, adoption has been a part of the fabric of humankind. Throughout history, many famous persons have been adopted, from Moses to Nelson Mandela, from John Lennon to Steve Jobs.
This weekend, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, giving us cause to reflect on the meaning of our own Baptism. In Baptism, we become the adopted children of God. The Second Vatican Council highlighted the importance of baptism, speaking about what it means to be the daughters and sons of the living God.
In the Church there is a diversity of ministry but a oneness of mission…The laity derive the right and duty to the apostolate from their union with Christ the head; incorporated into Christ's Mystical Body through Baptism and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation, they are assigned to the apostolate by the Lord Himself. They are consecrated for the royal priesthood and the holy people (cf. 1 Peter 2:4-10) not only that they may offer spiritual sacrifices in everything they do but also that they may witness to Christ throughout the world. Apostolicam Actuositatem, The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity.
Being baptized means to be chosen in love by God, much like parents who choose in love to adopt children. Author Jodi Picoult put it nicely, “Being a parent wasn’t about bearing a child. It was about bearing witness to its life.” Baptism celebrates the life and love that God bears to us. Our response is to bear witness to that love to all the world. Amen!
