Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord - January 12, 2020.

Readings Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Responsorial Psalm 28:1-4, 9-10; 

Acts 10:34-38 & Gospel Matthew 3:13-17.

Theme: Heirs of the Kingdom 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, the Baptism of the Lord brings Christmastide - that is, the Christmas Season to an end. Since in a celebration like this a proper catechesis about the theology of baptism is important, it is good to remind ourselves about how the Penny Catechism views baptism: “as a sacrament which washes away original sin, makes us children of God and members of the Church.” A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Christ.” In baptism, water is the matter of the sacrament while the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” remain its form. We shall scan through the readings so as to derive the practical lessons therein. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

The message of Isaiah in the first reading (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7) points to Jesus who submits himself to be baptised by John as one who is endowed with the spirit whom the Lord delights in. He projects that Jesus would establish true justice and be a light of the nations and open the eyes of the blind, free captives from prison as well as those living in darkness from the dungeon.   

In the second reading (Acts 10:34-38), St. Peter  assures that the Lord does not have favourites but loves anyone from any nationality who fears God and does what is acceptable to him. He contends that Jesus it was who brought the Good News of peace after he had been baptised in the Jordan by John and endowed with the Holy Spirit; went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.

The Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17) narrates that Jesus appeared from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. It disclosed that John wanted to dissuade him but Jesus insisted that it was to fulfil all righteousness. It was at that that John gave in and baptised Jesus. Just then, the heavens opened and the Spirit descended on him like a dove and the voice of the father said: “This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.”

Types of Baptism

The Catholic Church teaches that there are three types of baptism which include baptism by water, blood and desire:

1. Baptism by Water: Baptism by water is done by a priest or deacon either by sprinkling, immersion, or both methods. At the point of death, anyone can baptise at the request of the catechumen using the Trinitarian Formula. Baptism like Holy Orders creates an indelible character in the soul of the recipient that no human power can change and it is done once in a life time. 

2. Baptism by Blood: This refers to the martyrdom of the believer who is killed for his/her faith before he/she had the chance to be baptized.

3. Baptism by Desire: This applies to those who wished to be baptized but die before receiving the Sacrament. This desire may have been explicit (fully and clearly expressed) or implicit (implied but not directly expressed).

Baptism as RICE & Reasons for Infant Baptism

1. “R” Stands for Rebirth: In baptism we are born again by water and the Holy Spirit. We are cleansed from original sin and become sons and daughters of God in a special way.

2. “I” Stands for Initiation: At baptism we are initiated or admitted into full membership in the Church, the community of the children of God in the world.

3. “C” is for Consecration: In baptism we consecrate and dedicate ourselves to seek and to spread the kingdom of God. We commit ourselves to be servants of God, to do God’s will and serve God with our whole lives.

4. “E” is for Empowerment: At baptism the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and empowers us, equips us, gives us the moral strength to say no to evil and to live as God’s children that we have become.                                                                 (Kasomo, 2016).

Another important aspect of the Sacrament of baptism which the Catholic Church has often been attacked about is Infant Baptism. As such, children are baptised for the following reasons:

1. To Enjoy Freedom from Darkness: “Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness [and be] brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all [people] are called” (Cf. CCC 1250).