Sacrament of Baptism and the Mystery of Water

Gospel Thoughts

*Baptism of the Lord*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:7-11*

*First Reading - Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 55:1-11*

*Second Reading - Acts 10:34-38 or 1 Jb 5:1-9*

*Sacrament of Baptism and the Mystery of Water*

*1) Water is important in Baptism*

All the three readings of the day has a reference to Water. All the three reading mention about Water 

Since all three readings mention about water, it also highlights the importance of Water 

In fact without water Baptism is not possible, in any case 

Water is the minimum requirement for the sacrament of Baptism 

*2) Why Water is so important for the sacrament of Baptism*

Without water, no life is possible. A life can't survive without water. So water is equal to life 

Like wise no life in Christ is possible without baptism. Baptism becomes an important event in ones life to begin the faith life 

*3) Water is a Wonderful creation of God*

We need to consider that water is one of the great wonders of God. 

No human beings can create water on this earth. So it is a great miracle and great wonder of God. 

Like wise Baptism is one of the great wonders of God, through which we enter into the life of God

*4) Water is one of the things which is easily available* 

It is a Gods miracle that we get water everywhere. 

It becomes one of the great things of God, which is found in abundance in the nature

*5) Water has the power to clean*

Water is used for cleaning and washing 

It has the special power to clean everything and keep it clean anything 

Like wise, baptism cleans a person from the original sin, and makes a person clean. 

So the cleansing aspect is at the centre in Water as well as in Baptism 

*6) Water can take any shape*

The flexible nature of the water is very great and it can take any shape

It can adjust into any situation and it takes the shape of vessel in  which it was put. 

In Baptism we are put in the vessel of Christ and we need to take the shape of Christ. 

We need to adjust ourselves to the mission of the Lord. That is the application of water in the Baptism

*7) Water Level equation*

This equation is very important to see the level 

When ever we have see the level of the Ground it is the water which is used for measuring it 

Water level is a great concept, which speaks about level without any distinction

Those people who receive Baptism should keep the level which is demanded of a genuine disciple of Christ. 

That is why water is used in Baptism 

*8)  Water always has the tendency to Flow*

It flows to find our its original source. Until it finds it flows. 

Like wise those who receive Baptism should flow towards the mainstream which is Jesus 

Water also breaks any hurdles and flows. Like water those who receive baptism must be able to face and break any hurdles to flow towards Christ. 

*Happy Feast of the Baptism of the Lord*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*