Through baptism, we become part of a fellowship that reaches throughout the whole world – and through all time. Baptism is a celebration where the child is surrounded by his or her closest caregivers, and where God promises to accompany the child all the days of his or her life.
Jesus did not baptise, but challenged people he met to stay with him and to follow him. The followers of Jesus were tasked to baptise people in all the world and to teach about God’s good will towards all human beings.
In the Bible text that is read as part of the baptism liturgy, Jesus says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 28, verses 18-20).