Baptism

Today’s Gospel Text: "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; 52 for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." Luke 12:49-53

Reflection: The baptism of Christ: How often should he go through a baptism process?

As Catholics we believe in one baptism, yet various kinds of baptism. So besides the baptism with water, we have here the mention of the baptism of fire or in Catholic circles referred to as the baptism of blood.  Then we also have the baptism of desire.

The Lord Jesus who underwent a baptism at Jordan at the hands of John the Baptist is now talking about another baptism which he has to undergo; a baptism of fire, which culminates in his ultimate death, beginning with his passion at Gethsemane.  

Was there a need for Jesus to undergo any of these baptisms?

It is we humans who are sinful before God who require a baptism and not Jesus. Being sinless all the baptism of Jesus are on behalf of mankind and for the salvation of mankind.

Hence Jesus who was sinless did not require to go through a baptism in order to achieve the end of baptism, which is eternal life, accomplished through dying in the waters of the font and rising to new life in him.

Since Jesus in every way submitted to the cruelty of the effects of sin, which brings about death and thus necessitates baptism, we through him have peace with God and eternal life.

Baptism is not a once and for all action but rather an ongoing process with its grace at work in us. It is an invitation to die to our old selves corrupted by sin and live for Christ, who conquered and has gone ahead of us preparing a place for us.

Prayer: Lord, help me live the grace of baptism in daily life by constantly seeking to die to my many desires that are detrimental to life and according to your wisdom.

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