Day 174: Summary of the Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism. CCC 1277

In today's reading, the Catechism gives an "In Brief" section summarizing what's been covered over the past few days about Baptism. I really have nothing more to add to what I've already posted on this, but I did like these comments from the Catechism Companion, Vol II:

None of us has done anything to earn having our sins forgiven. In fact, Jesus has done it all, and our approaching the sacraments is our response... Every one of the effects of Baptism is worth pondering and praying with. We praise God for bringing us into his own kingdom, forgiving all our sins, and making us his children. Through Baptism, we also participate in Christ's role as priest, so there is not one aspect of our lives that we cannot offer up to the Father. (p. 112)