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March 25, 2024Through the waters of baptism, all who have been baptized, including our very own elect, have been born to a new life in Christ. Baptism has a great connection to the tomb. We go down into the tomb through the waters of baptism, sharing in the death of Jesus. We come out of the tomb (the baptismal font) with newness of life in the resurrection of the Lord. After baptism, we have been anointed and geared for the plan of salvation God has for us of eternity.
However, for some their baptism is a thing of the past. A rite that took in about half an hour at the earliest and a bunch of time at the latest. They no longer live their baptism. The resurrection of the Lord means nothing to them. They go on to live their life as they see fit, not caring about others, not practicing their faith. This is why the Apostle Peter says, “not to all the people but to us.” Jesus died to redeem all, but not all will be saved because they refuse to live their baptism. They were anointed but it seems some do everything within their power to erase the mark of the Chrism on their forehead, and basically forsake their dignity as Christians.
This Easter Sunday (and throughout the season of Easter) is an opportunity to renew our baptism. The Church gives this opportunity with the Sprinkling Rite to remind us of our baptism. This rite is not about getting people wet to see their reactions. It reminds us of the life of baptism. This too reminds us more precisely of the Renewal of the Baptismal Promises. Those are questions we all respond in a different way. Do you reject evil as to live in the freedom of the children of God? Many respond, “I do” others “we do.” But some only respond confusingly, and they do not intend to keep their promises.
The following are some signs that show the baptism is being lived. Primarily live life after the pattern of Jesus. “He went about doing good” that is what we also need to do. We need to cast out the old yeast of malice and wickedness of sin from our lives. The less sin is committed, the more baptismal living. Counteract the “bad actions” of sin by doing good to others. Live baptism by being more sincere, more honest, more transparent with others. Live your baptism (your new life in Christ) by being kind and loving to those around you. Be different today, try harder to be a better person. Do not let the devil oppress you with hatred, and resentment. Stop clinging to hurts of the past and allow Jesus to heal you. Another way to live your baptism, follow the truth of the Gospel. Defend what is right and was true. Stand up for what you believe. Start to live your faith seriously. Be a witness of your baptism, do not worry about failure, for if you strive to live your baptism God will be with you throughout life. And finally, to live baptism as to seek what is above, transcend from the cares of this world. Be forward looking. Note this life is transitory and put your sight in heaven. Live as a servant on earth, activate your baptism, and you will receive the servant’s reward, eternal life.
During this Easter season take the time to renew your baptism. What more proofs do you want that Jesus Christ is risen? He physically put the burial clothes to the side, so there would be no doubt of the physicality of the resurrection. He is not a ghost, he is real. Now it is time to stop being prideful, bend down the knee, and start to live your baptism with hope of the resurrection. Happy Easter and may God bless all your families during this special season.