When we make a commitment, there are certain expectations involved. If we commit to a relationship, we are expected to be loving, respectful, and faithful. If we commit to a job, we are expected to be on time and productive. If we are not willing to put forth the effort required to meet the expectations, we should not enter into the commitment. 

The same is true in our commitment to God. We are expected to be His disciples in all we think, say and do. Yet God knows that we are not perfect. As long as we continue to pick ourselves up when we fall short and ask for forgiveness as we try to do better, then we are fulfilling our end of the commitment. And God, in His ever-loving mercy, sent Jesus to give us hope and to be our strength along the way. 

So the next time we are tempted to “like and share” a Facebook post - the content of which would make Jesus cry - remember that this is not how to live our commitment. When we have our children receive sacraments and then do not take them to church, this is not how to live our commitment. If we are believers, we must whole heartedly commit. 

Each of us on our baptism day was promised to God that we would be raised in the faith. Today, 70% of Christians in America do not attend any type of worship service. 

If these children are not baptized, how will they hand on the faith to their own children and grandchildren?