Joy of Baptism
This morning I was reading an email from Give Us This Day which was an explanation of their January issue cover art entitled "Bayou Baptism".
I would like to share the following taken from this email:
The Christ figure stands waist-deep in the water, smiling from ear to ear as he hears the heavenly voice claiming him as Son. Jesus’ arms are extended, his hands breaking out of the picture’s frame. The artist describes this as a choice intended to invite the “viewer to celebrate their own mysterious and wonderful calling from God as [Jesus] basks in his own.”
Baptism, a heavenly voice claiming us as His children.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 1 describes the sacrament:
1243 he becomes a “son of light,” indeed, he becomes “light” himself:9
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.10
I sit and ponder that thought and tears come to my eyes. I consider the magnitude of this most joyful sacrament and the promises made on my behalf at the time. But having been baptized as an infant I have no recollection of my Baptism, not even a photograph. Still I am profoundly joyful for having been given such a gift. Yet the tears I shed are not only those of joy, they are also tears of great sadness and guilt. I am unworthily of this gift. For I am a poor, lost sinner.
Today I renew my Baptismal vows:
I reject Satan.
And all his works.
And all his empty promises.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
Amen
Today I smile ear to ear.
Send Comments: boniface@oblate.info
I would like to share the following taken from this email:
The Christ figure stands waist-deep in the water, smiling from ear to ear as he hears the heavenly voice claiming him as Son. Jesus’ arms are extended, his hands breaking out of the picture’s frame. The artist describes this as a choice intended to invite the “viewer to celebrate their own mysterious and wonderful calling from God as [Jesus] basks in his own.”
Baptism, a heavenly voice claiming us as His children.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 1 describes the sacrament:
1243 he becomes a “son of light,” indeed, he becomes “light” himself:9
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.10
I sit and ponder that thought and tears come to my eyes. I consider the magnitude of this most joyful sacrament and the promises made on my behalf at the time. But having been baptized as an infant I have no recollection of my Baptism, not even a photograph. Still I am profoundly joyful for having been given such a gift. Yet the tears I shed are not only those of joy, they are also tears of great sadness and guilt. I am unworthily of this gift. For I am a poor, lost sinner.
Today I renew my Baptismal vows:
I reject Satan.
And all his works.
And all his empty promises.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
Amen
Today I smile ear to ear.
Send Comments: boniface@oblate.info
