Meditation Forty-seven, Fourth Week of January 2004

The Effects of Baptism

Begin with prayer to the Holy Spirit

Readings: Rom. 8:12–17; Gal. 3:26–29; 1 Peter 1:3–11; Catechism §1262–1270

When we consider that Baptism is one of the most important and everlasting things that can happen to us, it is surprising that we think so little of its effects. Through Baptism we have the possibility of eternal life, which is really a divine prerogative. Eternal life is not an essential component of human nature. It is very far from being a human right. It is an absolute gift of God, an almost incredible promise. Second, we have the forgiveness of sins from the past and the promise of forgiveness of future sins if we are repentant. The terrible effect of original sin—the loss of the possibility of eternal life— is removed. In this sense we become new creatures, and the presence of the Holy Trinity comes to dwell in our inmost being. We are able to believe in God, hope in Him, and even love Him with a love beyond our own self-concern. We can perform virtuous actions in union with Christ, which then become part of our salvation. Christ operates in us. He is the vine; we are the branches.

Because of these spiritual realities, we can be said to be part of the mystical or mysterious body of Christ. This is a deeply mysterious concept, since there is nothing else in our human experience that resembles it. Christ lives in us and we in Him. Our good deeds become His good deeds. We pray that His mind will be in us (see Phil. 2:5).

Because of the lasting effects of original sin, which are not removed by Baptism, the Christian is in an endless struggle. Our Lord tells us to carry our cross, and St. Paul encourages us to fight the good fight (1 Tim. 6:12). What are we fighting if we have “become a new creation in Christ”? St. Augustine gives us an insight. He teaches that the effects of original sin that remain become the battle ground of the spiritual life. They are 1) the darkening of the intellect, 2) the weakening of the will, 3) emotional confusion, 4) discord among human relationships, especially close ones.

The seven capital sins—pride, covetousness, lust, anger, envy, gluttony, and sloth—are part of the drama of the spiritual battle. Baptism prepares us for battle, and Confirmation, which in the early Church was given with Baptism, strengthens us for the battle, which continues until we close our eyes on this world and render an account to our blessed Savior in the world to come.

Quotation for Meditation

Baptism, with faith in Jesus Christ, has become for us the sacrament of divine adoption and Christian initiation. It is in the name of the Holy Trinity that it is conferred upon us, the Trinity that was revealed to us on the banks of the Jordan.

Sanctified by contact with the humanity of Jesus, and united to the “Word of truth,” the water has the virtue of washing away the sins of those who detest their faults and declare their faith in the divinity of Christ; it is the Baptism not only of water “for the remission of sins,” but of the Spirit who alone can “renew the face of the earth.” From being “children of wrath” as we were, it makes us children of God, so that we are henceforward with Jesus, although in a lesser measure, the objects of the heavenly Father’s delight.

St. Paul says that we have by Baptism put off the old man (descended from Adam) with the works of death, and have put on the new man created in justice and truth (the soul regenerated by the Word and the Holy Spirit) who is renewed unceasingly “according to the image of Him that created him.”

In the same way as Baptism constituted for Christ the summary of all His mission, at once redeeming and sanctifying, so Baptism contains for us in germ the whole development of the Christian life with its twofold aspect of “death to sin” and of “life unto God.”

So true is it, according to the Apostle’s words, that “as many . . . as have been baptized in Christ, have put on Christ”; so true is it that we make only one with Jesus in all His mysteries.

O happy state of faithful Christians! O foolish blindness of those who forget their baptismal promises! O terrifying destiny of those who tread them underfoot!

—Blessed Columba Marmion, Christ in His Mysteries

Quiet Time and Then Discussion

Questions for Meditation

1. While in life’s struggle, do I recall that I am committed to that struggle by Baptism?

2. Do I take advantage of my incorporation into Christ in order to overcome the evil effects of original sin?

3. Do I encourage other Christians, whether Catholic or not, in their struggle to lead a truly Christian life by fighting the good fight?

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, You have made me a member of Your mystical body. My good deeds, done with grace, are Your good deeds. I strive to have Your mind in me. It is a long, difficult struggle, but You suffered and died on the Cross in order to have Your Precious Blood wash away the sins of the world—my sins. Help me, O Lord, to appreciate what You have done for me and by holy Baptism to begin to be a new creature according to Your will. Amen.