Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Today we conclude the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In the gospels, this marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. Today’s feast is an appropriate day to recall our own baptism in which we were given a share in divine life and made members of the Body of Christ, the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches us:   
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Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives us access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC, #1213, quoting the Council of Florence)

     Let me recommend that if you do not already know it, search out the date and place of your baptism. Who was the priest or deacon who baptized you and where were you baptized? Who were your godparents, if any? I always make it a point to observe the day of my baptism as a special day of prayer and gratitude and to give thanks for my parents, the priest who administered the sacrament and my godparents. My godfather, my Uncle Bill, is still living.

The Rite of Baptism is particularly rich in both its wording and symbolism. Of course, water is an especially powerful symbol with multiple levels, symbolizing the gift of divine life, the gift of divine cleansing, and the working of God’s power to shape us into conformity with Christ. Early in the ceremony of the baptism of children the person to be baptized is signed with another great symbol, the cross. As the minister and then the parents and godparents trace the cross on the forehead of the one to be baptized, the prayer accompanying this signing says “…the Church of God receives you with great joy. In her name I sign you with the Sign of the Cross of Christ our Savior.” Among the intercessions in the ritual, we pray that God will lead those to be baptized “through holiness of life to the joys of the heavenly Kingdom.” In the first anointing before baptism the priest or deacon prays, “May the strength of Christ the Savior protect you.” The prayer accompanying the post-baptismal anointing proclaims:

     Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has freed you from sin, given you new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and joined you to his people. He now anoints you with the Chrism of salvation, so that you may remain members of Christ, Priest, Prophet and King.

The prayer accompanying the presentation of the baptismal garment proclaims, “…you have become a new creation and have clothed yourself in Christ. May this white garment be a sign to you of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring it unstained into eternal life.”

Today, let us indeed give thanks for our Christian identity and dignity as the baptized daughters and sons of a loving God. May we indeed move forward by holiness of life, signed and led by the cross, strengthened by the Lord, living always as members of God’s holy people on the road to eternal life.

Jesus, “beloved Son” in whom the Father is “well pleased,” embrace us with your love. Holy Mary, our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.