On the Sacraments of Initiation
On this 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, as we are reflecting on the beginnings of the Public Ministry of Jesus, it is good to review also the beginnings of our own Christian Life that serve as the foundation of our response to Jesus’ call of discipleship. These are the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly states that:
“the sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development and nourishing of natural life. The Faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.” (CCC 1212)
Unlike the “initiation” in groups or associations that involves violence, inflicting pain, putting to shame or even making fun of persons, Christian Initiation in the Catholic Church bestows Grace on a person to help him or her attain Christian Maturity.
Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Jesus Christ to give grace. They are tangible signs of Divine Favor or Help. In the order of pre-eminence of Grace, sacraments are first, for they are the highest and most important form of help that God gives.
In Baptism, we are redeemed from the original sin, made children of God and heirs to heaven. What more should we ask for? Isn’t this the greatest gift of all gifts? But of course in our human frailties, we need to be strengthened to keep the Faith. Thus God gives through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit to strengthen us. And that we will be sustained till at last we reach his kingdom, God gives us through the Eucharist, his Only Son as our food for Eternal Life.
Initiation into the Family of Christ begins the journey to Divine Life. Not to receive the sacraments is to refuse Divine Grace. Thus we ought to celebrate our reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and especially the Eucharist which we can receive repeatedly. They are God’s assurance that we are close to his heart and will ensure our Initiation into Heaven.
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