Baptism Symbols and Actions
Actions & Words In all sacraments the Church is the primary symbol - the Christian community takes the initiative in inviting us into divine life Symbols + Symbolic Actions + Significant Words = Expressing the meaning of the Sacraments In all sacraments the Church is the primary symbol - the Christian community takes the initiative in inviting us into divine life Symbols + Symbolic Actions + Significant Words = Expressing the meaning of the Sacraments
Symbols - Baptism New Testament - Jesus is baptized in the River Jordan. Jesus refers to the life he offers as “living water.” New Testament - Jesus is baptized in the River Jordan. Jesus refers to the life he offers as “living water.”
Symbols of Baptism Water - Cleansing and Life-giving Water can be refreshing. Vital for human life. Being plunged into water can be a deadly experience. Genesis - God breathes on the water to bring order to creation. Exodus - Parting of the Red Sea. Noah - World of sin is destroyed and washed clean to start fresh. Water - Cleansing and Life-giving Water can be refreshing. Vital for human life. Being plunged into water can be a deadly experience. Genesis - God breathes on the water to bring order to creation. Exodus - Parting of the Red Sea. Noah - World of sin is destroyed and washed clean to start fresh.
Symbols - Baptism White Garment- Becoming a new Creation Being “clothed in Christ” Color of purity White Garment- Becoming a new Creation Being “clothed in Christ” Color of purity
Symbols - Baptism Oil - Healing, Strengthening, Being Chosen Soldiers used oil to prepare for battle to protect their body from cuts and infection. Greek athletes would use oil believing that it gave them strength. In ancient times, perfumed oil was used for anointing a person as royalty or as a leader. Oil - Healing, Strengthening, Being Chosen Soldiers used oil to prepare for battle to protect their body from cuts and infection. Greek athletes would use oil believing that it gave them strength. In ancient times, perfumed oil was used for anointing a person as royalty or as a leader.
Symbols - Baptism Lighted Candle - Sharing in the Light of Christ Light dispels darkness. It guides the lost. It is warm, inviting, comforting. Jesus called himself “the light of the world.” The baptized is given a candle whose flame is received from the large Easter (Paschal) candle to signify that the newly baptized person shares in the light of Christ. Lighted Candle - Sharing in the Light of Christ Light dispels darkness. It guides the lost. It is warm, inviting, comforting. Jesus called himself “the light of the world.” The baptized is given a candle whose flame is received from the large Easter (Paschal) candle to signify that the newly baptized person shares in the light of Christ.