Day 169: The Mystagogy of Baptism

The essential rite of the sacrament follows: Baptism properly speaking. It signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ. Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water. However, from ancient times it has also been able to be conferred by pouring the water three times over the candidate's head. CCC 1239

Today's reading from the Catechism is an interesting look at the actual ceremony and symbolism of Baptism. From the white robes, the candle, sign of the cross, proclamation of the Word of God, to triple immersion or pouring for the baptized. The Catechism Companion, Vol II does a good job of explaining what is behind this first sacrament:

Mystagogy is the unpacking or the teaching of the mystery... Baptism transfers us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of life. It brings about a death of sin and new life in Jesus. Our sins are forgiven. We are adopted as God's beloved sons and daughters... Baptism is the first step. A person realizes he or she is not alone and needs to continue to walk as a child of God. (p. 102)

The Catechism outlines not only that of the Latin or Roman Rite, but also for the Eastern Catholic Churches. As I said yesterday, I think we should move back to how they do it with all the initiatory sacraments (Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist) together for infants instead of what developed in the West of separating them (see CCC 1242 & 1244).