Day 173: Brothers and Sisters in Baptism

Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: "Therefore . . . we are members one of another." Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." CCC 1267

Today's reading in the Catechism is short and concerns our incorporation into the Body of Christ through the "indelible spiritual mark" of Baptism. This permanently changes us, marking us as one of God's own, which is why it cannot be repeated. The Catechism Companion, Vol II comments on this new status as Christians:

A baptized person has both real obligations and real rights as a Catholic... We have an obligation to speak out about the Faith... Every person who has been validly baptized is a son or daughter of God. We are truly brothers and sisters, even if we have an imperfect relationship with each other. (p. 110) 

Like those who haven't been baptized, we still have free will and can later abandon Christ if we so choose. Nothing can undo the mark Baptism leaves though, which is a free gift that we are called to use for the greater glory of God. The consequences of not doing so of course are grave.