Homili Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC "Pembaptisan Tuhan" - Pesta Pembaptisan Tuhan 2022

Summary

This sermon highlights the profound significance of baptism, portraying it as both a gift and a call to live as beloved children of God. Baptism opens the door to other sacraments and marks the beginning of a life in grace. The sermon emphasizes Jesus’ obedience to God and how baptism, through Christ’s sacrifice, cleanses us from sin, offering us a renewed relationship with God. The call to live a virtuous life, free from the seven cardinal sins, is presented as a way to honor this divine grace and mission, living humbly, generously, and faithfully.

Takeaways

• 😀 Baptism is both a gift and a call, offering grace and a mandate to live as beloved children of God.
• 😀 Through baptism, we gain access to other sacraments, such as Eucharist, Confession, and Confirmation.
• 😀 Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime event that seals us as children of God and cannot be undone or repeated.
• 😀 Jesus' obedience to God, even from the beginning of His life, is an example for all Christians to follow.
• 😀 Jesus is the Son of God by nature, while we become children of God through adoption by God's grace.
• 😀 Baptism, as done by the Catholic Church, is valid when performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with water.
• 😀 In emergencies, anyone—other than a priest—may baptize, as long as it follows the proper form.
• 😀 John the Baptist’s reluctance to baptize Jesus highlights the humility and obedience needed in fulfilling God's will.
• 😀 Jesus' baptism purifies not just the water but also the one performing the baptism, symbolizing His role in cleansing humanity from sin.
• 😀 The baptism of the Lord reminds us that baptism cleanses us from original sin and calls us to live a life pleasing to God.
• 😀 After baptism, we are called to live humbly, generously, and patiently, overcoming the seven cardinal sins to remain faithful to our calling as children of God.

Q & A

What is the significance of baptism according to the script?

Baptism is both a gift and a call of grace. It opens the door to a life full of grace and allows individuals to participate in other sacraments like Eucharist, Confession, Confirmation, and more. It is also a mandate to live as beloved children of God, reflecting the example of Jesus.

How does the script explain the relationship between Jesus and God the Father?

Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God by nature, with his obedience to God from the beginning of his life. He is always directed toward doing God's will, which is why God is pleased with Him. This sets an example for Christians to live in obedience to God.

Why is baptism considered an adoption into the family of God?

Through baptism, we are adopted as children of God, not by our own merits but by the grace of God. This adoption is a one-time event and cannot be undone or repeated, as it seals us as God's children for life.

What does the script say about the possibility of being re-baptized?

Once baptized in the proper Christian way (with water and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), a person cannot be re-baptized. Baptism is valid for life, and no further baptism is needed, even if someone converts to Catholicism from another denomination.

What role does the catechist play in baptism during emergencies?

In emergencies, when a priest is not available, a catechist can perform the baptism. The script recounts a story of a man who was baptized by a catechist during an emergency, and his baptism was recognized as valid.

What is the symbolic meaning of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River?

Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River is significant because, despite being sinless, He chose to be baptized to purify the waters and the creation itself. His baptism is a symbol of the purification of sin, as Christians are cleansed of their sins through their own baptism.

What does the script say about the significance of water in baptism?

Water symbolizes purification in baptism. Just as the Jordan River was purified by Jesus’ baptism, the water used in Christian baptism cleanses individuals from original sin, allowing them to rise as children of light, sharing in the resurrection of Christ.

How does baptism relate to the seven cardinal sins in the Catholic Church?

Baptism cleanses individuals from the seven cardinal sins, which are the root of other sins. These include pride, greed, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Through baptism, believers are called to overcome these sins and live virtuous lives.

What virtues are encouraged to overcome the seven cardinal sins?

The virtues required to overcome the seven cardinal sins include humility (to overcome pride), generosity (to overcome greed), compassion and love (to overcome envy), kindness and patience (to overcome anger), self-control (to overcome lust), simplicity (to overcome gluttony), and diligence (to overcome sloth).

How does the script conclude the significance of baptism for Christians?

Baptism is not only a grace but also a mission. It calls individuals to live holy lives, full of love, humility, generosity, patience, and diligence. By living according to these virtues, Christians can bear witness to their identity as beloved children of God and children of light, fulfilling the mandate of baptism.