Something strange and baffling happens during the christening of this little boy. No one has ever seen an infant scream, cry, and squirm so desperately.
Everyone grows anxious at the sound of the childs wails as the vicar gently lowers him into the font. For a moment, those gathered imagine the water must be scalding hot. The boys mothers heart aches each time she hears her son cry out. She gazes quietly for a few minutes before she can endure no more. Approaching the boys father, she whispers:
Excuse me, but when will this be over?
Another fifteen minutes or so.
Is there any way to speed this up? I can’t bear to stand here while my boy is screaming like this.
You know full well that if you interrupt the ceremony, itll all be for nothing. He must be christened.
Just look at how much hes suffering.
Yes, its true. But the cause isnt the christening itself; its something else…
What do you mean?
The fault lies with you and your husband.
What are you trying to say?
Did you marry in the church?
No, I didnt, she admits quietly.
Your son is just a month old. That suggests he was conceived during Lent, doesnt it? And I suspect youve also had a termination in the past.
The mother bows her head.
What have you done to seek atonement? Have you confessed?
She has no words.
Well, its rather clear. Youve broken the law of God, and now not just you but your son bears some responsibility. If you wish for your boys distress to end, repent and strive to lead a better life.
Tears stream down the mothers cheeks as she begins to weep, distraught. She returns to her family and, in that moment, the boys cries subside. The vicar continues with the baptism.
It feels as though the burden of the parents sins has been lifted from the child, for he no longer cries.
