Confirmation and baptism test

baptism

when we are baptized, we are given gifts that cannot be taken away. God uses the powerful image of water linked with renewal/ recreation/ life/ salvation from death/ destruction/ sin/ enemies

Greek word for baptism

“baptizen” means to immerse

the old testament prefigurates

Creation, flood, crossing the red sea, crossing the Jordan

Genisus: Creation

the spirit hovered over the water, Holy spirit hovers over the water and over the person when the water covers their head in baptism; this person is a new creation

Genisus: Flood

Noah and his family were saved through the flood waters; in baptism we are saved from original and personal (actual → choice) sin and eternal death

crossing the Jordan

Israelites crossed the Jordan river miraculously on dry land into the promised land. The true promised land (heaven) is opened to us through baptism.

Why did Jesus get baptized?

to sanctify the waters of baptism and provide an example as the new Adam

In baptism, we become children of God and have a new relationship w/ each member of the trinity

we live in Christ and we are members of his Body the Church in a real, spiritual and yet mystical way. We are in a family, united to Christens in heaven, purgatory, and on earth.

What is a baptismal mark?

an “indelible” mark → given an ability

3 sacraments have a “character”

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. Dynamic not static; allows us to participate in God’s life and become temples of the H. S; gives us powers to worship God by participating in Jesus’ priesthood

baptisms of blood

someone who dies for Jesus/ the truth of the faith w/o being baptized; washed in their own blood

baptism of desire

someone who wants to be baptized, but dies before it happens

Righteous Pagan→ someone who has never heard of Jesus, but is earnestly seeking the truth/ to live righteously.

confirmation

the completion of our baptismal promises

Ruah

breath/ Spirit/ wind

3 sacraments of inhiation

baptism, Confirmation (completion/ strengthened by baptismal graces), eucharists

History of Confirmation

prophesies of Messiah/ Anointed one who was filled w/ Holy Spirit; in Jesus at baptism, conceived by Holy Spirit, driven by H.S; Jesus promises to send H.S. at last supper, see gift of H. S. mostly at Pentecost, passed on through the laying of hands and gifts of the Holy Spirit signified by oil of Chrism

Emphasis of Eastern Church

infants and adults receive all 3 sacraments at once, show the unity of the sacraments of inhiation, special permission from the Bishop for priests to administrate the sacraments

emphasis of western church

infants receive baptism and the other sacraments of inhiation when older; show/ allow the Bishop to confer the sacrament of confirmation

what are the gifts of the holy spirit

wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, fear of the lord

wisdom

the ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth

understanding

insight into the very heart of things, especially higher truths necessary for salvation

counsel

allowing yourself to be directed by God in matters necessary for salvation

fortitude

a firmness of mind in doing good, particularly when its difficult

knowledge

the ability to judge correctly so as to never wander from the straight path of justice

piety

revering God with total affection, worshipping him, and honoring people because of their relationship with God

fear of the Lord/God

chaste respect and awe whereby we revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him

Why does the Church baptize infants?

-made into child of God (not just symbolic) affectatious

-Baptism saves us, forgives our sins, incorporates us into family of God/ body of Christ

-salvation is a gift; faith of parents and godparents speak for infants in hopes of embracing the faith

-one day your faith speaks for your behalf