Baptism: The Basis of Our Christian Life
Dear Parishioners,
Every year, the Church marks the end of the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This celebration gives us the opportunity to recall our own baptism and to reflect on its deep spiritual meaning. What, then, is Baptism, and why is it so necessary for our salvation?
The Church teaches that Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1213).
This sacrament is called Baptism, from the Greek baptizein, meaning “to plunge” or “to immerse.” Immersion into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he or she rises by resurrection with Him as a new creation. Baptism imprints an indelible spiritual character on the soul and therefore cannot be repeated. Through Baptism, we are given a new birth: by our natural birth we are children of our parents, but by our spiritual or supernatural birth in Baptism we become children of God and heirs of His Kingdom.
With Baptism comes sanctifying grace, which is poured into our souls. It removes every trace of sin both original and actual and extinguishes any debt of temporal punishment incurred through actual sins committed before Baptism. This spiritual bath is also called enlightenment, because those who receive this catechetical instruction are enlightened in their understanding.
Jesus Himself, who came to reveal God to us, instituted this sacrament. He led by example when He voluntarily submitted Himself to the baptism of St. John—a baptism intended for sinners. This gesture was a manifestation of His self-emptying. The Spirit, who hovered over the waters at the first creation, descended upon Christ as a sign of the new creation, and the Father revealed Jesus as His beloved Son.
From the very day of Pentecost, the Church has celebrated and administered Holy Baptism. St. Peter declared to the crowd astonished by his preaching: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Baptism has always been closely connected with faith. St. Paul said to the jailer in Philippi, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” The narrative continues that the jailer “was baptized at once, with all his family” (Acts 16:31–33).
From the time of the Apostles, becoming a Christian has involved a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey may be rapid or gradual, but certain essential elements are always present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel leading to conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion (Catechism, no. 1229).
Indeed, the Lord Himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation and commands His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them. What more is there to say? Nothing. Baptism is where the whole of faith comes together.
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
