The Baptism of the Lord
“You are my beloved…
with whom I am well pleased.”
At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit of God rested upon Him, affirming that He was the Chosen One and revealing that the path before Him—the path foretold by Isaiah—would ultimately lead to the cross. At your baptism, you too were anointed with the Spirit, called and chosen to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
This week, take time to reflect on the deep meaning of your baptism. Take comfort that the grace poured into your life that day—is the grace that will continue to strengthen, guide, and sustain you as you follow Christ’s way.
The Symbols of Baptism
Water is the primary symbol of baptism. John the Baptist used water (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8a; Jn 1:33; 3:23), as did Jesus (Jn 3:22). Jesus is living water (Jn 4:10), and when Jesus died, the water that flowed from his pierced side serves as a wellspring of his life and grace (Jn 19:34). The usual method is infusion, for water to be poured over the head. Baptism can also be done by partial or full immersion. Water is a symbol of divine life, grace, new birth, growth, power, deliverance, cleansing and the covenant.
Oil is also a symbol of baptism, and two kinds are used. The Oil of the Catechumens is used after the prayer of exorcism and applied to the chest. It represents salvation as well as the strength and power that come from Christ our savior. After the water has been poured, Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the crown of the head, and it represents salvation, participation in the priesthood of Christ, membership in the body of Christ and a share in eternal life.
The Baptismal garment is a white garment either worn from the beginning of the ritual or given after pouring or immersion. It is an outward sign of the person’s Christian dignity. It also signifies that the person has become a new creation and has been clothed with Christ.
The Baptismal Candle is lit from the Easter Candle. The candle represents the risen Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). Jesus is the light that guides every baptized person. It also represents the flame of faith, which is to be kept burning brightly.
-Rev. Michael Van Sloun
Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas celebrations so exceptional!
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