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.
