Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time.
My dear Parishioners,
Peace! There are ten (10) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the Sacrament of Baptism. The following is a reflection on article 1275.
There are three (3) Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The first two (2), Baptism and Confirmation are not repeated. Regular, worthy reception of Holy Communion, especially at the Sunday Mass each week, helps us to remain and grow in fidelity to Christ, His bride and mystical body the Church, and the graces given in Baptism and Confirmation. While each of these three (3) Sacraments of Christian Initiation are treated separately in the Catechism, together they complete and perfect our belonging to Christ.
Baptism is the Sacrament of Christian Initiation which begins our new life in Christ. There are twenty (20) verses in the New Testament which make mention of ‘Baptism’ and eight (8) which refer to ‘baptize.’ The Greek transliterations are: baptizo, baptisma, baptismos, refer to washings.
The Lord Jesus rebuked many of the Pharisees and Sadducees, who had gone to see Saint John the Baptizer, calling them “a brood of vipers,” wanting to know who had warned them to “flee from the wrath to come.” Before Baptism we retain Original Sin which we inherit and any sins we may have committed, abusing our free will. These make us worse than a brood of vipers, but God’s saving graces, freely given in Baptism, cleanse us from all sin. Penance and repentance of sin are also part of the approach to and fidelity to Baptism (cf. Matthew 3:5–8; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). In responding to the query of the Chief Priests, Scribes, and the Elders about His authority, Jesus asked them about “the baptism of John,” whether it was “from Heaven or from men” (cf. Matthew 21:23–27; Mark 11:27–33; Luke 20:1–8). Both Jesus’ Baptism and authority are greater than that of John (cf. Matthew 3:11; John 5:36). Jesus likens His Passion to baptism when speaking with James and John (cf. Mark 10:35–40; Luke 12:50). The Church has considered a “Baptism of Blood” to have been received by those who have died as martyrs even before they were Baptized in water.
Confirmation is the Sacrament of Christian Initiation which affirms our life in Christ. With a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, complementing the initial outpouring given in saving Baptism. Whenever any of us sin, mortally or venially, we turn our backs on God and His saving will. By repentance and conversion we reaffirm God’s choice in our favor. The graces of Confirmation strengthen our bond with Christ and His Church.
The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Christian Initiation which nourishes us as disciples of Christ with His Body and Blood in view of our transformation in Christ. The adage, ‘you are what you eat’ comes to mind here. The more we are united to the Lord in Holy Communion, the better we may be His disciples, leading others to Him.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr