Priest, Prophet and King 01

PARISH OF ST TERESA LENTEN REFLECTION ON OUR BAPTISMAL CHARACTER 2013

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 1) We are reflecting on the Sacrament of Baptism during the period of Lent.

2) We are reflecting on the Sacrament of Baptism during the Year of Faith.

1) The Sacrament of Baptism at the Heart of Lent . The Second Vatican Council called for a renewal of Lent and a refocus on its baptismal origins. . It is important to clarify any misconceptions people may have regarding the purpose of Lent. . The season of Lent is heavily accented on: - preparing for Baptism - preparing to renew Baptismal Promises

2) In the Year of faith, we are called to: - renew and deepen our faith - be continuously conscious of our Baptismal character and role - share our faith with others - witness God’s love in our family, workplace, community, society.

BAPTISM IS THE SACRAMENT OF - SUPERNATURAL REBIRTH / REGENERATION - SUPERNATURAL LIFE . Emphasis on “re” birth or generation - we are born naturally of our human parents - Baptism gives us a new life, a spiritual life in Jesus Christ.

- we are configured to Christ, i.e. we grow to become more and more like him.

THE EFFECTS OF BAPTISM All the effects of Baptism are supernatural as we should expect.

There are mainly 5 effects.

1)Removal of guilt and penalty for sin.

The first and most practical effect of Baptism is to remove the guilt of original sin and restore the corresponding title to heavenly glory.

2) Supernatural life By the sin of Adam, mankind lost its share in the divine life.

By the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second Adam, this life can now be restored.

Baptism restores what we call our supernatural life.

This is

“being born from above” (Jn 3:3) “being born of God” (Jn 1:13)

The source of this supernatural life is sanctifying grace - the indwelling of the Holy Trinity.

3) Virtues, Gifts and Fruits Baptism not only gives us supernatural life but also infuses into us supernatural powers, instincts and joys which we commonly identify as the virtues, gifts, and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

These supernatural powers enable us to do what is impossible to human nature alone.

The 3 most important of these powers are the virtues of faith, hope and charity.

FAITH: By faith we are empowered to believe everything which God has revealed: The Creed.

HOPE: By hope we are empowered to confidently trust: - that all the good things promised us by God we shall obtain, - that we will never be without the light and strength we need to fulfill he will of God, - that with God’s grace we can bear all the trials and tribulations of life, - that heaven is ours, as we cooperate with God’s grace.

- we are confident of his mercy and so repent.

CHARITY: By charity we are empowered: - to love God above all things; - to love him more than ourselves; - to love him especially when we have to endure sufferings and the cross; - to love him in all circumstances of life, no matter how demanding his love may be.

By charity we are empowered: - to love others as much as we love ourselves; - to love others more than ourselves; - to love others even as Christ has loved us by suffering and dying out of love for others; - to love others out of love for God constantly, patiently and generously beyond all human power and expectation

4) Membership in the Church The Sacrament of Baptism incorporates a person into the Church founded by Christ.

This means that all who have been baptised are incorporated into Christ and therefore have the right to be called Christians.

To be an actual member of the Catholic Church means the baptised person must also be ready to profess what the Catholic Church teaches, and accept her laws and obligations with an open heart.

The Church is the universal sacrament of salvation and sanctification.

5) Indelible character The final and most mysterious effect of Baptism is to receive a permanent, irremovable character or seal.

Baptism imparts a likeness to Christ, especially to Christ the priest, prophet and king.

The Baptismal character grafts a person into Christ the Vine so that all the baptised share in a unique way in the graces of Christ’s humanity.

As a result, Jesus Christ has a claim on the baptised that no one else enjoys; and they have a claim on Him that no one else on earth can share.

The baptismal seal confers a permanent relationship with Christ.

How to Grow in the Gifts of Baptism?

1) Grow in the gift of faith.

We either grow in it or we lose it.

2) We grow in our faith by studying our faith: - the Sacred Scriptures - the Documents of the Second Vatican Council - the Catechism of the Catholic Church - the Creed - the Social Teaching of the Church 3) We grow in our faith by praying our faith - personal quiet time, meditation, contemplation - family prayer - we must be prayerful persons 4) We grow in our faith by using it and sharing it with others.