Baptism Is the Basis of Our Christian Life.
Dear Parishioners,
Every year the Church marks the end of Christmas season with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which gives an opportunity to recall our own baptism and its deep spiritual values. 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 which 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, incorporated into the Church and made sharers in His mission. (Catechism # 1213).
This sacrament is called Baptism (Greek baptizein), which means to plunge or immerse into the water and symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death; from which the person rises by resurrection with him, as a new creature. Baptism imprints a character or indelible mark on the soul and cannot be repeated. Through Baptism we are given a new birth: by our natural birth, we are children of our parents. By our spiritual or supernatural birth in Baptism, we become children of God and heirs of His Kingdom.
With Baptism comes a Sanctifying Grace, which is poured into our soul. It removes every trace of sin, original and actual, and extinguishes any debt of temporal punishment which we may have incurred through actual sin committed before Baptism.
This spiritual bath is also called enlightenment, because those who receive this catechetical instruction are enlightened in their understanding. Jesus instituted this sacrament to reveal God to us. He led by example when he voluntarily submitted himself to the Baptism of St. John, intended for sinners. His gesture is a manifestation of self –emptying. The Spirit, who had hovered over the waters of the first creation, descended then on the Christ as a sign of the new creation. Father revealed Jesus as his beloved Son.
From the very day of Pentecost, the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism. St. Peter declares to the crowd, astounded 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.” Baptism is always seen as connected with faith: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative continues, the jailer “was baptized at once, with all his family.” (cf. Act 16:31-33)
From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion. (Catechism #1229)
Yes, the Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. He also 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.
Grace and Peace To You,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
