Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation. To baptize means to "immerse" in water. We are immersed into the death of Christ and we rise as a "new creation." (CCC 1214) It cleanses us from original sin and become heirs to heaven. The biblical basis for Baptism can be found in Jn 3:5. Read your Bible!
All sin and all punishment are remitted by Baptism. Imagine that. We become a clean slate! Of course, this does not mean that we are completely saved. We do have free will. And since we have free will, we can choose to sin. This causes a break in our relationship with God. The relationship can be repaired through Confession.
A priest can administer Baptism although in cases of emergency and it is completely necessary, anyone (with right reason) can baptize. The one who administers Baptism would pour water on the person being baptized and while pouring water, the following is said: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." On another note, the one administering can also immerse the person being baptized saying the same phrase.
Did you know that there are three kinds of Baptism? First is (of course) baptism by water. The other two are baptism by desire and baptism by blood. Baptism by desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism. Baptism by fire, on the other hand, is the shedding of blood for the faith of Christ. Both baptisms are sufficient to produce the effects of Baptism if water is absolutely impossible available.
Considering my tradition, a Filipino, we are used to infant Baptisms. It's nothing new. This has been a norm in the early church as well. However, I will present this as a story for another time. It is also a custom to grab a number of "ninongs" (godfathers) and "ninangs" (godmothers). Some families even go to the point to have ridiculous numbers of them. Let's go back and examine what baptism is. Baptism opens us for the life in the Spirit. It welcomes us to God's heavenly kingdom. The purpose of godparents is to promise in the name of the child, what they themselves would promise, the renouncing of Satan and all his evil works and the belief in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In reality, you only really need a pair.
The obligation of a godparent is to instruct the child in religious duties. So, might I suggest those who would seek godparents to choose wisely. Don't just choose them because they can provide the best gifts. On a sidenote, a celebration is welcomed but not required. I had to wait a year before I got baptized. They had to combine my first birthday with my baptism. Do not delay Baptism of a child because you cannot have a celebration. Being a part of God's kingdom and being cleansed of original sin should be more important.
Sacrament of Baptism
- Washes away original sin
- First sacrament of initiation
- We become sons and daughters of God through Baptism
- Visible sign: Pouring of water
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