How thankful we should all be for having received the Sacrament of Baptism. Through this great Sacrament, defined as the gateway or threshold of entrance into the Catholic Church extraordinary graces have been gratuitously bestowed on the recipient of Baptism.
The greatest of all gifts that flow from Baptism is the initiation of an intimate relationship with God Himself. This is astounding! When the minister—Bishop, priest or deacon pours the water on the head of the individual and expresses the words: Name: “ I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” miracles of grace occur—all invisible and mystical but all real beyond imagination!
After the pouring of the water over the head and the triple pronouncement of the three names of the Persons of the Blessed Trinity there is a radical change, if you like metamorphosis! A radical change that will seal and mark that person in time as well as for all eternity.
Now this person is a son or daughter of God the Father; also, a brother or sister to Jesus Christ (Jesus becomes the “older brother.”); still more, an intimate friend and temple of the Holy Spirit. To summarize this profound reality still more, baptism transforms the individual into a living tabernacle of the Most Blessed Trinity. Awesome, to put it mildly!
This being the case, of our great dignity flowing from the Sacrament of Baptism and our destiny eternal beatitude—meaning happiness—on the way towards our Heavenly abode, we should strive to call to mind the profound reality of our baptism. What then are some concrete ways that we can call to mind the great gift of our baptism? Here are a few concrete “holy reminders”—in the words of Mother Angelica—foundress of EWTN.
SIGN OF THE CROSS
First, the devout and reverential making of the SIGN OF THE CROSS. All too often we whip through the sign of the cross at lightning speed. Our hand becomes a lightning bolt of speed. The words perhaps correspond with the speed of the gesture. It can be a wholesome and sanctifying gesture to get into the habit of slowing down while making the sign of the cross and pronouncing the words calmly and reflecting on the meaning of those few but extremely important words. And of paramount importance: call to mind the meaning and significance in our souls and whole being. Through Baptism we are truly sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ, intimate friends of the Holy Spirit and temples and tabernacles of the living one and Triune God, who we call the Blessed Trinity.
HOLY WATER
Second, the frequent use of Holy Water. It is a very good habit and practice that families always have a store of holy water in their homes. Having a holy water bottle in the home, hopefully even more than one, having a holy water fount in the home or in every room can be great reminders. With these available, the family members can form the habit of leaving and even entering the home by blessing themselves with the holy water, available in plenty! Indeed, this is a constant holy reminder of our baptism. Carry this out!
BLESS YOUR CHILDREN
Third, parents blessing their children. Mom and Dad should get into the habit of blessing their children, frequently and fervently. How about this? Before sending your children off to bed every night, it is important night prayers but add this to the night prayers: Mom or Dad blessing their children with the use of holy water. This can be done by blessing the forehead of your child with holy water, pronouncing the names of the Blessed Trinity. Start tonight!
BAPTISMAL FONT
Fourth, upon entering the Catholic Church, take the Holy Water at the baptismal font and make the sign of the cross with the Holy water recalling your dignity, destiny, and calling as a true follower of Christ. It all started with your baptism.
THE GLORY BE
Fifth and finally, when you pray, The Glory Be, call to mind the reality and blessing of the Blessed Trinity residing within the very depths of your soul that started precisely in the moment of your Baptism. How great God is! How wonderful and marvelous His works in me starting with my own Baptism. Delving into the spirituality of St Teresa of Avila—the Indwelling of the Blessed Trinity in my soul in grace. Through Baptism we are truly and actually—and not simply symbolically—Temples of the Triune God, living icons of the Blessed Trinity. “O Lord our God how great is your name in all of creation, starting in my own individual soul!”
May Our Lady of the Trinity pray for us. In fact, Mary is the Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son and the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit. May Our Heavenly Mother inspire us, intercede for us and take us by the hand to the realms of the Triune God!
