11 January 2026 #soultattoo

Sometimes I think infant baptism is a double-edged sword. On the one side, the permanent graces received at baptism cleanse this sweet soul from original sin, provide a protective shield from wiles of Satan, and provide a broader family for him/her to grow up in. On the other side, infants don’t remember all of this… so as adults, the day we received our soul-tattoo is forgotten and uncelebrated.

“What’s this?” you might ask? Permanent graces? A protective shield from wiles of Satan? A soul tattoo? What are you talking about? Let me explain.

All sacraments are intersections between heaven-and-earth; here in the natural world something supernatural happens. We all know the definition of a sacrament, right? “An outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.” The outward signs are the words, water, and oil used during the Baptismal Rite. The fact that Jesus – born without original sin – allowed himself to be baptized by John means that He wanted it for us too. And what do we receive at Baptism, and indeed every sacrament? Grace for this earthly journey toward heaven. No one can take these graces from you; they are lavishly given and permanently bestowed, like a tattoo on your soul.

Early in the Baptismal Rite, Fr. Dave or Deacon Rod takes the chrism oil and anoints the child on his (or her) breastbone, saying, “Almighty and ever-living God, you sent your only Son into the world to cast out the power of Satan, spirit of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of darkness, and bring him into the splendor of your kingdom of light. We pray for this child: set him (her) free from original sin, make him (her) a temple of your glory, and send your Holy Spirit to dwell with him (her).” This oil and prayer create a supernatural protective shield from the wiles of Satan.

Now that we’ve been unclenched from Satan’s grip, the pouring of the water can give us new life… the supernatural strength to avoid temptation and do the Good as we walk our faith journey in this world. We can now be the “light of the world,” and a candle is lit symbolizing this new reality.

Cleansed and freed, we receive a second anointing with a sweet-smelling oil, the reminder that we have a beautiful community of saints (living and dead) to help us along in our earthly journey: “The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.” All of us sitting in the pews as the body of Christ now get to help this new soul grow in wisdom and holiness.

As we recall Jesus’ baptism today, let’s ponder the Father saying to us at our own baptism, “this is my beloved son/daughter with whom I am well pleased.” Let’s also think about those supernatural graces at our disposal and how we can utilize them.  Finally, let’s celebrate our own baptismal anniversary with joy and gratitude. #soultattoo