Thoughts on Baptism from The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

This is education, understood as a help to life; 

an education from birth, which feeds a peaceful revolution 

and unites all in a common aim, attracting them to a single centre. 

Mothers, fathers, politicians: all must combine in their respect 

and help for this delicate work of formation, 

which the little child carries on in the depth of a profound mystery, 

under the tutelage of an inner guide.

~ Maria Montessori from The Absorbent Mind

From The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti

   from the Baptism Presentation

When Jesus was born, the light began to illumine the world. (At this point light the paschal candle before the children's amazed faces.) However the darkness overwhelmed the light for a moment.  Jesus knew this could happen; in fact, he had said, "The Good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep." (Now extinguish the candle) Bu tthe vitory of the darkness over the light was only momentary; for the light was relit, never to go out again. (We relight the paschal candle and begin to meditate with the children on this new light that illumines the world.)  This is a very special light, so strong, so powerful, that never again will it be overpowered; and even more, it is a far-reaching light. The risen Christ did not want to keep this new light for Himself alone. He gives it as a gift to all those who come close to Him. From that day when the light was relit in the world, how many have received it into their hearts! How much more brightly it shines! And then one day this light came to me too, and to you. (At this moment the children are called one by one to the paschal candle to light their own little candles and the meditation then continues on the gift of light.)

    How beautiful it is to have our own candle shining so brightly, and to know that on the day of our baptism a very special light was enkindled in our hearts. What a precious gift! could we have lighted our little candles if the paschal candle had not first overpowered the darkness? Could we have this light in our hearts if Christ has not first given it to us?

Gracie came home with these completed works after a day of work in the Atrium at her school Seton Academy Montessori. She has come home with colorings of the image here to the left many times before. The one above of the two candles and the baptismal gown is new.  Knowing that her soul and person are absorbing this most profound truth is extremely touching. Deep within her is the light and the knowledge of a sweet sweet love that reaches beyond. She is in an environment that helps her to discover all that this love is capable of. She is in an environment that helps her to be independent in her discoveries. God is good.