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The Sacrament of Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a sacrament that absolves our original sin and past sins, marking our entry into the Church and making us part of the body of Christ. But what is a sacrament? Simply put, it's a visible sign of God's invisible grace. This grace is a blessing we receive not because of our deeds, but out of God's boundless love and mercy.

The Divine Plan

From the beginning, baptism was part of God's plan. In Genesis, we see God's Spirit hovering over the waters. Jesus later revealed this plan in John 3:5, speaking of baptism by water and Spirit. When God created humanity, He intended to dwell among us. This became a reality when Jesus came, and it continues today through the Holy Eucharist we receive in the Holy Mass.

A Beautiful Parallel

In the creation story, Adam was put into a deep sleep, and God created Eve, his bride from his rib. When Adam awoke, he exclaimed, "Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." Similarly, Jesus, the new Adam, was in a deep sleep (death) on the cross. As He was pierced, blood and water flowed out, symbolizing the Church. As part of His body, Jesus says to us, "Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh."

The Mystical Union

We're united with Christ through baptism in His burial, death, and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5). We become adopted sons and daughters of the Almighty Father, with Jesus Christ as our Lord and redeemer. The Holy Spirit takes residence within us, making our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As we receive the Sacrament of Baptism (Matthew 28:19), God dwells in us – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 14:23, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). With this union, we also become part of God's family, united with angels and saints in heaven (Matthew 18:10, John 17:21-23).

Through baptism, believers are empowered to serve in threefold ministry: as priests, offering sacrifices of service to bring others to God; as prophets, bearing witness to the truth through their words and actions; and as kings, exercising leadership to inspire others to use their gifts for the advancement of God's Kingdom (CCC 1241).


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