Show Notes
“Through Baptism we are placed into a radically new relationship with all aspects of life and with the ‘world’ itself… a radically new understanding of life. Baptism is the starting point and also the foundation of a Christian ‘philosophy of life’ a permanent sense of direction guiding us firmly throughout our entire existence, supplying answers to all questions and solving all problems.” Fr. Alexander Schmemann “Of Water & The Spirit”
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments and is the Mystery of the re-creation of man by “being clothed in Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
Baptism is a fleeing from “this world” that has been stolen from God by the Enemy and has become a prison.
An escape from darkness and despair
Restoration of “true life” the life that has been lost to sin
Baptism is a recognition of evil in the world and a renunciation of that evil and a promise to follow the narrow way of God.
We turn our back on the world!
Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration
A Personal Pascha
A Personal Pentecost
An integration into the people of God
A passage from the old man to the new man
Baptism is performed through a triple immersion in water in the name of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)
Preparation is an integral part of not only Baptism but all sacraments.
The Church is preparation
Liturgy is preparation
The very essence of the Liturgical life of the Church
Baptism is the celebration of Pascha (Easter) in our lives and in the life of the Church.
Pascha is the “feast of feasts” and is the fulfillment of Baptism.
Baptism is tied to Pascha through the Liturgy, we have all but removed Baptism from an association with the Liturgy.
The Evening Service of Pascha, now celebrated on Saturday morning, is the Baptismal Liturgy.
The Mysteries (Sacraments) of the open the door to the Grace of God
Grace is:
His Love
His Mercy
His Compassion
His Activity in our Lives
