Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
1 Peter: 3: 18-22

The Epistle of 1 Peter is one of the Catholic letters which was addressed to the faithful immigrants or diaspora and to those who resided in the nearby provinces of Asia minor. All these minority faith communities underwent extreme persecution from emperors like Nero and Domitian. The selected text mainly focuses on the theme Baptism. It is considered as one of the dominical Sacraments or Gospel Sacrament instituted by Jesus. Through Baptism, one is admitted in the local church, the body of Christ where he believes and identifies with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Also, Nicene Creed affirms that there is only one baptism for the remission of our sins.
Baptised for new resolutions in life
Different from the concept of the non-believing world, by baptism, according to Peter, we are being incorporated into a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s own people. We are called into His marvellous light and the dark moments are gone. We do not have to be ashamed or afraid to be known or to live as a “Christian”, but we need to glorify God, praise God that we have been given the opportunity to suffer in His name. (1 Peter 4: 16-17). It is indeed an encouraging note to the minorities in Asia minor as well as to the universal believers. Here the Christian community struggled to live in the context of state sponsored violence and bloodshed. Numerical strength is not always the winner, we have to remember that we have the power as we are the anointed ones.
Baptism saves the righteous
In the given text, the Sacrament of Baptism aligned with the flood and Noah’s ark narrative. The ark and Baptism are the expression of God’s saving grace. The flood waters during Noah’s era washed away the sin and wickedness of that generation. Thereafter, a new redeemed community was established through righteous Noah. The Church is the new ark. We believe that in all our Sacramental administration the matter that sanctifies in the name of Trinity has the saving power. God will protect the one who is righteous.
Baptised for a good conscience
Baptism is not for physical cleansing, but it appeals or pledges for a qualitative behavioural cognitive change which begins from the early period itself. There is sin, selfishness and corruption in our nature. But these evil thoughts of our corrupt mind are sanctified by the enlightening and experiencing presence of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In baptism, we identify with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also participate in His suffering and pain too. So, the baptised one should always stand for a transforming presence and work for a redeemed community.

PRAYER
Lord help us to adhere to the baptismal vow and live for the glory of God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins”.

Rev. Sam T Panicker, St. Thomas, Kattanam
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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