Christians are born through Baptism, that is, through Baptism we are born as "other Christs." Through many centuries Christians loved to view the baptismal font as the womb of Mother Church; for at the font her children come forth alive with a new and higher life (15). This 'second birth' into God's own family at the Baptismal Font is the source of new and wonderful privileges. Baptism makes us members of Christ: "We were all baptized into one Body...you are the Body of Christ and severally His members (I Cor. 12:13, 27). As in a body many cells share the same dignity, so the many individuals who form Christ's Body all share the same godlike dignity; there is then no place for mutual indignities or antagonisms; fraternal charity must reign supreme (15). Because Baptism has made us all one in Christ, the efforts of each are to the advantage of all, the suffering of one brings tears to many, a single song of praise gladdens countless hearts (15).
Baptism, secondly, makes us the dwelling-place of the Holy Trinity. It makes each of us a holy temple, for "holy is the temple of God, and this temple you are" (I Cor. 3:17). God's active, energizing presence in the baptized soul transforms it into a creature most pleasing to Himself (15). More marvelous is its fulfillment of Jesus' last prayer:
"If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and will make our abode with him" (St. John 14:23). And where Father and Son are, their Spirit must of necessity be: "Do you not know that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Cor. 3:16). As we become conscious of this unspeakable gift our hearts spontaneously welcome the command: "Glorify and bear God in your body" (I Cor. 6: 10).
Though Baptism confers such great gifts, it is not a final stage in God's generosity toward us, it is only a beginning.
Baptism plants the seed, the remaining sacraments bring it to harvest.
Baptism, secondly, makes us the dwelling-place of the Holy Trinity. It makes each of us a holy temple, for "holy is the temple of God, and this temple you are" (I Cor. 3:17). God's active, energizing presence in the baptized soul transforms it into a creature most pleasing to Himself (15). More marvelous is its fulfillment of Jesus' last prayer:
"If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and will make our abode with him" (St. John 14:23). And where Father and Son are, their Spirit must of necessity be: "Do you not know that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Cor. 3:16). As we become conscious of this unspeakable gift our hearts spontaneously welcome the command: "Glorify and bear God in your body" (I Cor. 6: 10).
Though Baptism confers such great gifts, it is not a final stage in God's generosity toward us, it is only a beginning.
Baptism plants the seed, the remaining sacraments bring it to harvest.