Clarification of our identity and mission

January 13, 2008 -- The Baptism of the Lord

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What does the sacrament of baptism mean to you? 2. Spend some time today renewing your baptismal promises. 3. In what sense are you priest, prophet, and king?

Our baptismal rite is a thing of beauty, indeed, a thing of grace. As infants, youths, or adults experience the saving waters of baptism, the entire community is enriched as new members enter the Mystical Body of Christ, sharing in the life and ministry of the Lord. On this feast of the Baptism of our Lord, we do well to reflect upon several of the prayers used in the rite. These orations contain a rich theology and give us a deeper understanding of this feast.

"God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life."

At the Jordan, with an amazing reversal of roles, the master is baptized by his disciple. In that baptism, Jesus' identity was clarified and affirmed: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." At our baptismal fonts around the world, our Christian identity is clarified as the sacred chrism is applied in the form of a cross and the newly baptized Christian is given a share in the mission of Jesus as priest, prophet, and king. All of us, regardless of our unique function in the Body of Christ, share in the priestly, prophetic, and regal mission of our Lord. This sacrament addresses one of the greatest needs of our times: a clarification of our identity and mission.

As a white baptismal gown is placed upon the baptized person, we hear: "N., you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven."

Isaiah the prophet speaks eloquently of our dignity as creatures of a loving God. God forms us, heals us, sanctifies us that we might do the works of justice and peace. Our dignity is confirmed in the knowledge that we are chosen and given a share in the Spirit. We keep our baptismal garment spotless by living a life of grace and turning away from deeds of darkness.

A small candle is lit and given to the child's parents: "Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light."

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter reminds us how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus is the light to the nations. Jesus went about doing good and healing those who were oppressed in mind and body. In Jesus is our peace and our joy. We are called to bring the light of Christ to others. It is a light that shines on all, showing no partiality. It is a light that illuminates and warms and consoles.

One last prayer from the rite of baptism: "The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father." Indeed, may our ears be opened and our tongues freed to proclaim the goodness of our God.

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)