Lack of clarity on baptism by NI Executive – Bishop Donal McKeown

Jesus is in solidarity with those whom social systems crush and condemn

In his homily in St Eugene’s Cathedral on Sunday last, Bishop McKeown said, “This last week, I have been trying to work out whether the NI Executive has now given us permission to baptise. I know that it sounds ridiculous that Churches have to get political clearance to baptise a baby or an adult! Of course, I can understand the thinking behind the earlier temporary baptism ban because, for some, sacramental events seem to refer to the large parties afterwards. Now we can have the baptism parties – but I am unclear whether we can actually have the baptism before the party! I am not sure whether the legal restrictions have changed or whether we are still waiting for further clarification. When politicians accuse others of not understanding government messages, that might suggest a lack of clarity in the messaging rather than merely culpable deafness on the part of the listeners.”

Earlier Bishop McKeown said, “the key question that we have to be asking ourselves as parishes is ‘how can we identify and identify with those who are most hurting?’ I know we have to ensure that the virus cannot spread. There are those who will prefer to stay at home for health reasons and others who can be content with a somewhat more intellectualised form of faith practice. But, if we are to hear Jesus today, we have to build what we do as parish around giving priority to those who need to experience sacramental communion with Christ and a sense of concrete belonging in community. These people were never a nuisance for Jesus. The suffering and rejected Jesus knew the Father. Those who can identify with the Christ of the Cross are best able to speak of God. Church renewal will come from the overburdened, not the learned and clever.”

He concluded saying, “Many people have suffered through the pandemic. Very many people will face very challenging times ahead as key economic decisions have to be made. Jesus’ message today says that our focus should be on those who labour and are overburdened. He presents himself on the Cross as a victim of the strong who wanted to silence him. He is in solidarity with those whom social systems crush and condemn. He offers us a share in his Body and Blood, broken and poured out for us. He does not offer a magic wand. But he walks with us and announces by his Resurrection that grace is stronger than evil, that the Father, the Lord of Heaven and earth is wiser and stronger than human power. The possibility of eternal life stares back at the strong who mistakenly think they have the last laugh.

“That is a great message from Jesus as we face the future with trust in Him.”