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Moment of Reflection
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
St. Gregory Nazianzen writes:
"Baptism is the most beautiful and magnificent of God's gifts (...).
It is a gift, because it is given to those who bring nothing
(Only bring sin original or current, if it is received in adulthood);
It is grace, because it is given even to the guilty;
Is Baptism because sin is buried in the waters (...);
It is the anointing, because it is sacred;
It's bath because lava;
It is indelible stamp of the Lordship of God. "
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHES THAT BAPTISM IS THE "DOOR" the other sacraments.
Without it, man can not receive the confirmation,
neither the Eucharist nor Penance (or Confession)
or the Anointing, nor the Order [ie, the Priesthood] or Marriage.
This sacrament is called Baptism.
This name derives from the Greek verb baptizein, which means 'diving'.
The dip in the water symbolizes the grave, one that was baptized (the catechumen)
the death of Christ, and from whence risen, "to immerse"
with him as a "new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Gal.6, 15).
Jesus, before ascending to heaven, give to the Apostles this command:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizai them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you "(Mt 28, 19-20).
Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ.
According to the will of the Lord, it is necessary for salvation.
Baptism introduces the Church makes us members of the Church.
What is the essential rite of Baptism?
It consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his head,
invoking the name of the Trinity, that is, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The baptismal grace is a rich reality that includes: (see the fruits of Baptism as well!)
1.The remission of original sin and all personal sins;
2. The rebirth to new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father,
3. The Baptism becomes a member of Christ,
4. The Baptism becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit.
5. For this reason, the baptized are incorporated into the Church,
Mystical Body of Christ, that is, a member of the Church, is CHRISTIAN!
6. And it's become a participant in the priesthood of Christ.
What a great gift is the Baptism!
If all parents understand this spiritual wealth, but true of Baptism,
nobody would deny that their children! Unfortunately,
however, many denied or delayed, with the great danger of losing it forever!
Oh dear parents so that you work to enrich your children,
remember that the greatest wealth that you can offer them is the richness of Baptism!
Baptism also imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign,
character, which consecrates the baptized to worship the Christian religion.
Because of the indelible character that does not fade, Baptism can not be repeated.
Notice: Those who suffer death for their faith,
catechumens and all that, under the impulse of grace, without knowing the Church,
seek God sincerely and strive to do his will,
save themselves, even without having received Baptism.
Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children,
since it is the grace of God and a gift that does not assume human merit;
children are baptized in the faith of the Church.
Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom.
For children who die without Baptism,
the Liturgy of the Church invites us to trust
in the divine mercy and to pray for their salvation.
In case of necessity any person can baptize,
since it intends to do what the Church does
and pour water over the candidate's head, saying:
"I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Brothers and Sisters, we know by chance, relative or friend who is not baptized?
Let's talk about him the great grace of the Sacrament of Baptism and help him to receive it.
This is the greatest gift we can offer you!
The Blessing of Almighty God, source of eternal life, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Descend upon you and remain forever
- Amen