Baptism Preparation – Lesson 3

Water is the obvious symbol that we associate with Baptism, representing life, death, cleansing and growth.

It is interesting that our initiation process begins with water just as the beginning of time portrayed in the very first pages of Scripture also begins with water- chaotic waters that are put into order by the Spirit hovering over them. That life-death meaning of water continues through the pages of Scripture. Consider, for example, the flood waters of Noah’s day and the saving waters of the Red Sea parted by Moses. Those waters of the Red Sea, even if they killed the Egyptians, opened the way for the Israelites to pass from slavery to freedom, and later crossing one more body of water (the river Jordan) to pass into the Promised Land.

In the New Testament, then, it is appropriate that John the Baptizer baptized in the Jordan River, symbolizing that the baptized were also to leave the slavery of sin for the freedom of a new Promised Land. Nor is it without significance that Jesus began his ministerial journey by being baptized in the Jordan, and that the Spirit was present.

Then there are the references to fruitful, life-giving waters offered by the prophets. For example, speaking for Yahweh, Ezekiel announces: “I will sprinkle clean water on you and … give you a new heart” (see 36:24 ff), and Isaiah promises, “I will pour out my spirit on your children” (44:3). In the Acts of the Apostles, we see how the Spirit of Jesus, poured out on the new Church at Pentecost, brings order and strength (Acts I and 2).

Water and Spirit are strong and important symbols of Baptism. To be baptized is to be plunged into the waters and to open oneself to the Spirit of Jesus. To be baptized is to have the Spirit help us make order out of the chaos of the sinful world into which we are born. To be baptized is to be welcomed into the Church (the new promised land) and to be nourished there as we journey with each other and with Jesus in his ministry.

To be baptized is to be given new birth and new life (John 3:5). It is interesting to note that some of the early baptismal fonts had the shape of “a womb,” to emphasize the new birth/new life aspect of the sacrament.

This image is related to the darkness-light theme that is also associated with Baptism (Hebrews 6:4). In birth we emerge from the darkness of the womb to the bright light of a new world. Some early initiation liturgies had the baptismal candidates first turn to the west-where the sun sinks into darkness, to renounce Satan-and then turn to the east, the direction of dawning light, to accept Christ.

The new life motif of Baptism is intimately associated with Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. In discourses with his disciples regarding his approaching death, Jesus said, “I have a baptism to receive. What anguish I feel till it is over!” (Luke 12:50). When asking James and John if they really knew what they were requesting by wanting to sit at his side, he asked if they were ready to share in his death. “Have you the strength … to be baptized with the baptism I am to be baptized with?” (Mark 10:38). Paul reiterates Jesus’ questions when he asks: “Are you not aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? .. we were buried with him so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … we too might live a new life” (Romans 6:3).

It is not an accident that the baptismal liturgy of the year is the Easter Vigil, the grand celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. Through Baptism we become an “Easter” people.

From Sandra DeGidio’s essay The Sacrament of Baptism–Celebrating the Embrace of God and the “A Blessing and Invocation Over the Water and Chrism” from the Rite of Baptism.

Presider: Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit he (she) is to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives him (her) is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in his (her) heart. If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew now the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus. This is the faith of the Church. This is the faith in which this child is about to be baptized.

Presider: Do you reject Satan?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: And all his works?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: Do you 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?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: Do you 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?

Parents and godparents: I do.

Presider: This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All: Amen.