Book I, 11

It seems that all Christian society had an awesome dread of the penalty for sin. The general attitude was to become baptized later in life. Baptism washed away all sin committed previously, no matter how grave. Sins commited after Baptism were considered especially horrific precisely because the sinner was Baptized--had committed themselves to Christ. The attitude was to sin first then get Baptized later rather than to get Baptized, sin afterwards and not be eligible again for that once in a lifetime opportunity for the absolution of sin. I assume they hoped by old age, the lust for sex, violence, money, drunkeness, and so on, would have died down and that one has developed more self control, perhaps perspective, and perhaps a motivational sense of one's mortality as one ages.

It is somewhat like the idea of "sowing one's wild oats" before settling down in life. I suppose there is some merit to this. It also allows for a person to gain some wisdom through life experiences before making such a big decision. And the decision for Jesus Christ is a BIG decison. The waiting also allows for a free and full consent of the will. Of course, the wait doesn't do any good in the case of accidental or sudden death! It also precludes the person from ful participation in the other Sacraments, and the full life and Spirit of the church.

Monica seems not only faith-filled with complete confidence in God, but very wise as well. A most wonderfull human being!