Meditation Forty-four, First Week of January 2004

Note: Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Catechism on the celebration of the Christian mystery is important and interesting reading but not suited for consideration at a prayer meeting. § 1135-1209 should be read and any questions discussed by the group. If there are questions, a priest or other person informed about the liturgy should be consulted.

The Sacrament of Baptism

Begin with prayer to the Holy Spirit

Readings: Acts 16:31-33; Rom. 6:3-4; Catechism §1213-1233

Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and Holy Eucharist being the other two) is so-called because it provides the foundation of the Christian life. Through Baptism we are freed from all sin-original sin and sins actually committed-and we are born again as God's adopted children. Baptism opens us to the life of grace, makes us members of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, and gives us access to all the other sacraments. The words of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, cited on page 312 of the Catechism, sum up the effects of Baptism very beautifully.

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . . We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace, since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism, because sin is buried in the water; anointing, for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment, because it radiates light; clothing, since it veils our shame; bath, because it washes; and seal, as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.

Baptism should be given ordinarily in the parish church by a priest or deacon. In case of necessity, however, as when an infant is dying, Baptism can be given by anyone who intends to do what Jesus commanded. Following its ancient tradition for adults, the Church has reestablished several steps leading to Baptism; they are called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The person to be baptized must be in the catechumenate for a period of several months. The Baptism of children does not require this, but often pastoral instruction is usually provided by the parish. Baptism for adults presumes the person is seriously converted, means to follow Christ's teaching, and continues to grow in faith.
It can be spiritually very fruitful to think of our own Baptism, even if we were baptized as infants. When I perform Baptisms, I remind everyone that what we are doing will last forever. A spiritual seal, often called a character, marks a person's soul. These are, of course, mysterious things. That sign, or seal, will accompany the baptized person forever, whether in heaven or hell. The grace of Baptism cannot work if it is blocked by deliberate serious sin. I have observed that a baptized person who has given up the practice of the faith is never comfortable again and may surprise us by a second conversion. We who have been baptized into Christ and cleansed by His Precious Blood should value Baptism above all others, and we should try to see that others take their Baptism seriously.

Quotation for Meditation

I speak to you who have just been reborn in baptism, my little children in Christ, you who are the new offspring of the Church, gift of the Father, proof of Mother Church's fruitfulness. All of you who stand fast in the Lord are a holy seed, a new colony of bees, the very flower of our ministry and fruit of our toil, my joy and my crown. It is the words of the Apostle that I address to you: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh and its desires," so that you may be clothed with the life of him whom you have put on in this sacrament. "You have all been clothed with Christ by your baptism in him. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor freeman; there is neither male nor female; you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Such is the power of this sacrament: it is a sacrament of new life which begins here and now with the forgiveness of all past sins, and will be brought to completion in the resurrection of the dead. "You have been buried with Christ by baptism into death in order that, as Christ has risen from the dead, you also may walk in newness of life."
You are walking now by faith, still on pilgrimage in a mortal body away from the Lord; but he to whom your steps are directed is himself the sure and certain way for you: Jesus Christ, who for our sake became man. For all who fear him he has stored up abundant happiness, which he will reveal to those who hope in him, bringing it to completion when we have attained the reality which even now we possess in hope. (St. Augustine, Sermon 8, in Liturgy of the Hours, II, 635.)

Quiet Time and Then Discussion

Questions for Meditation

1. Do I think prayerfully of my Baptism sometimes?
2. Do I know the exact date and place of my Baptism, and the priest's name who
baptized me?
3. Do I show concern for the new evangelization so that others may be called to
the grace of Baptism?

Prayer

O Lord Jesus, how grateful I am for the grace of Baptism and for the Baptism of so many who are dear to me. Eternal life-that is what I have received. Send this grace of the Holy Spirit on us all. Permit that we may help others to receive this sacrament and that all may rise to eternal life with You. Amen.