"Italians have a little joke that the world is so hard a man must have two fathers to look after him, and that's why they have godfathers." ?Mario Puzo,The Godfather
Another quote from The Godfather is parodied in an episode of The Sopranos: "I'll make him an offer he can't understand." Most of us do not understand the wonderful gift from God that a godfather or godmother represents.
Only recently did I come to realize the benefits and implications of this special child - godparent relationship. I had all but forgotten my godparents who had been born to eternal life some years ago. It is possible to be reunited with them in the special relationship of the Communion of Saints.
Just as I have often asked for my parents' help and intercession in prayer, and been blessed by the result, I realize that my godparents still have that special connection with me. I thank God the Father for his divine plan for us.
As a senior citizen I was asked to be a godparent. I reflected on the privilege and thought I was somehow short-changing my dearest little grandchild. Later I realized this was a God-send. I would be able to carry out my role as long as my health permitted, but more importantly, I could assist from the community beyond this life.
A baptismal godparent has an important spiritual role to play in the life of a young Christian. Among the duties of a godparent we find the following:
-Participate in, or send assurance of prayer, as your godchild receives the other sacraments, particularly Confirmation which completes initiation into the Church community.
-Be supportive of your godchild's parents in their role of Christian living for your godchild through daily prayer, virtue and active participation in parish life and liturgy.
-By living a Christian life in partnership with your godchild, both of you will experience the great joy of sharing a life of faith.
There is a much deeper and special relationship established that godparents should understand and eventually communicate to their godchildren. I communicated this message to my godchild recently:
As your Godparents at your Baptism we entered into a special relationship with you that involves some commitment. Though we haven't always actively shown you this, we can make amends and accord you the special attention and status this relationship includes.
Be assured that you have been in our daily prayers - I pay particular attention to my Godchildren in my morning prayer list. You are special to us and are remembered daily. God continue to bless you and your family as you go on life's journey.
So it is that I thank the gentle, motherly woman who was my godmother and my aunt. And I thank an uncle who was intensely spiritual at times. I thank them for their prayers and their intercessions on my behalf. They are a gift from God I can't refuse.
