Drawn into the conversation, I suggested that because the parents had given physical life to the child and ask for baptism to be given to their offspring then they should hold the infant. The godparents' responsibility only begins on the day of baptism.

In the centre of our town there is a statue of the Good Samaritan which reminds all of us of the responsibilities that we have for one another; both those we know and the stranger who crosses our path of life.

Jesus offers the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 – 37) in response to someone who asks what they must do to get into heaven. Instead of giving the person a list of do's and don'ts, Jesus tells a story of a traveller who is robbed and beaten. Other travellers see the victim but hurry by, afraid and not wanting to get involved. A stranger then chooses to get involved and gives generous assistance. It is a tale about responsibilities – those who take responsibility and those who walk on by on the other side.

Much has been said recently about responsibilities. For some there has been too much about passing responsibility on to other people and not enough about individuals assuming responsibility for themselves and those nearest to them. Responsibility is not necessarily about doing things alone – there are many people willing and able to help; reflecting the relationship between parents and godparents. If the un-named stranger (the Good Samaritan) had not taken responsibility for the beaten and robbed traveller then he would have died uncared for at the side of the road. Thank goodness for the help of the stranger!

by the Very Rev Fr Nicholas Hird, parish priest of Our Lady and St Paulinus, Dewsbury – on behalf of Churches Together in Dewsbury.