The
sacrament of baptism, according to Vorgrimler, “is a truly fundamental event,
it is not restricted to a momentary action, but lasts throughout a lifetime”
(107). Vorgrimler describes the baptismal call as” sharing in Christ’s destiny”.
This description of baptism rings true
to me and leads me to wonder how I am living out my baptismal calling of
sharing in Christ’s mission. How am I working to bring about the Kingdom of God
here on earth as a part of my baptismal calling? How am I calling others to
join with me as Church in bringing about the Kingdom of God?
In the section on the baptism of
children, I find it really beautiful that baptism is an even t in which the
Church intercedes with a petition on behalf of the child being baptized. “..When
a child is baptized the Church’s petition intercedes for the child in order
that, when it comes to the age of decision, it may choose the way of Jesus
Christ” (116). I think this is a wonderful way for the Church to come together
and pray for new members of the Church. I have noticed that many baptisms now
are done after the mass rather than during the mass. I am wondering why that
is, and what has caused this change? It seems that baptism is a sacrament that
can truly bring the community together. “The
ecumenical movement that has emerged more and more strongly since 1910 has made
clear that baptism is not so much a meager remnant of unity as it is the
expression of an existing community in faith and a promising beginning” (Vorgrimler
117). I have gained a new understanding of baptism through this chapter. I have
been reminded of our unity with Christ through our baptismal calling and the
importance of living out that baptismal call through words and actions, as well
as through the way I respond to others.
Dear Rose, you bring up two important points here.
ReplyDeleteOne is that these sacraments of initiation are effective for a lifetime. True that the ritual of washing and anointing took place only once, and for many of us, before we could remember. Yet, we live out our baptism every day, especially as Church.
Speaking of Church, the other important point you make is when and how these rites ought to be celebrated vis-a-vis the community of faith. The rites of initiation are through and through communal: they are incorporation in the Body of Christ. To have no community gathered around to celebrate the new member's entrance into the community impoverishes the symbol in this respect. Looking forward to a great conversation! Blessings, DZSJ
Hi guys, I hope you all enjoyed your ressurrection holiday. Praise God we found a home. Rose I was surprised, when reading the lessons, to discover the part about "When a child is baptized the Church’s petition intercedes for the child in order that, when it comes to the age of decision, it may choose the way of Jesus Christ” (116). Being baptist, I often wondered about a child let's say around 7, who would come up to be baptized. How could he/she truly understand what he/she was coming up to do? I realize that there are the few who are called at an early age...but it's good to know that the church stands in as an intercessor between God and that particular child.
ReplyDeleteAlso you mentioned that the sacrament of baptism is now held at the end of service, as oppossed to the begining. You will be pleased to know that this is not always the case. We baptise at the begining of service, in order to introduce them to the body of Christ, as the newest disciples of God. It is also done so they can partake in the sharing of the body and blood of Jesus during the Eucharist. I love that baptism is seen as the initiation stage of sacrament. People of Baptist faith get baptized at an older age, and confirmed or dedicated as an infant. Some call it a Christening. I guess it is a way of ensuring that one is of a sound mind, and make the choice to serve God on their own.
Even at an older age, it is the job of the community or church family to teach, encourage, and be of any aid needed for the new baby in Christ. So even though you are an actual baby in the Catholic faith, and a figurative baby in the Baptist faith, both acknowledge the need to cover this new person in the sacrament of begining their walk with God. I Love It!!
Dear Class,
ReplyDeleteRose’s initial comments on Vorgrimler ring really true to my ears as well in that she places the importance upon how her baptism is being lived out here and now. This is powerfully affirmed the Johnson text which tracks the travail of the evolving church trying to reconcile the numerous and divergent perspectives upon what actually constitutes this sacraments authenticity. From the very beginning conflicts arose and the church continues to wrestle with these divergent interpretations even unto Barth. Though there appears to be an “agree to disagree” consensus among the churches today, there remain those same strong distinctions, which for me are rooted in the scriptural/traditional dialectics of interpretation and ritual. This is why I am in such accord with Rose’s premise and her insightful questioning, for it transcends these never-ending variances and makes it real. One could spend a lifetime of theological inquiry chasing down the “correct” understanding of this most essential of rites and still miss the crux of its significance as “the gateway to spiritual life.” This is the heart of the sacrament constituted by Christ as revelation whereby “the divine Spirit descended on Jesus and Jesus’ mission was made known” (103). That experience and its vigilant renewal are all any Christian needs to engage in a life of discipleship with full participation in the organic Body of Christ, as it faithfully makes its way, walking as One toward the Resurrection of all that was, is and will be.
~ Walter Jr.
Rose, in your post you wondered how you are living out your baptismal call, and as a result of these readings that is the question on my mind as well. I feel like I often need to be reminded of this question, so that it offers me an opportunity to discern if I am leading truly reflects the fact that I am baptized. At the very least, I try to be very conscious in taking a moment to remember my baptism when I attend mass on Sunday and bless myself with the holy water as I enter the church. This spring, there have been multiple baptisms at my parish that I have been able to witness. I have been surprised at how eager and happy I am to share in welcoming these infants into the Catholic faith even though I do not personally know these young souls. There is a very real sense of divine presence and grace that I could feel during the sacrament of baptism. This gives testament to the communal aspect of this sacrament that Daniella mentioned in her response. It would make sense that baptism is the initiating sacraments, leading the way for others to follow.
ReplyDelete