The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus.  Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, shown above.  The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters.  . . .  Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin.  However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.

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LOVE the Word® is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Get the book based on Sonja's method in the right margin, How to Pray Like Mary.

L - Listen (Receive the Word.)

 

O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

Do you remember your baptism? What were your thoughts and feelings the last time you witnessed a baptism? 

V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Perhaps you'd like to renew your baptismal promises. This can also be a family service, directed by a parent. The family members renew their baptismal vows aloud and sprinkle themselves with holy water.

V. Do you reject Satan?

R. I do.

V. And all his works?

R. I do.

V. And all his empty promises?

R. I do.

V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

R. I do.

V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

R. I do.

V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

R. I do.

V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

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Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.

E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, source of light and truth, we appeal to your sacred and boundless compassion on behalf of we, your servants. Be pleased to enlighten us by the light of your eternal wisdom. Cleanse, sanctify, and endow us with true knowledge. For thus will we be made ready for the grace of eternal life and ever remain steadfast, never losing hope, never faltering in duty, never straying from sacred truth; through Christ our Lord. Amen.+ 

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You can download a complete, word-for-word transcript here, courtesy of Karen Cross who did this transcript for you.