16 Christian Initiation I Dignity of Baptism 3. Baptism, the door to life and to the Kingdom, is the first Sacrament of the New Law, which Christ offered to all that they might have eternal life9 and which, together with the Gospel, he later entrusted to his Church, when he commanded his Apostles: “Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”10 Therefore Baptism is first and foremost the Sacrament of that faith by which human beings, enlightened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, respond to the Gospel of Christ. That is why the Church believes that there is nothing more ancient and nothing more proper for herself than to urge all—catechumens, parents of children who are to be baptized, and godparents—to that true and active faith by which, as they hold fast to Christ, they enter into or confirm the New Covenant. In fact, the pastoral instruction of catechumens and the preparation of parents, as well as the celebration of God’s Word and the profession of baptismal faith, are all ordered to this end. 4. Furthermore, Baptism is the Sacrament by which human beings are incorporated into the Church and are built up together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit,11 and into a royal priesthood and a holy nation;12 it is also a sacramental bond of unity linking all who are signed by it.13 Because of that unchangeable effect (which the very celebration of the Sacrament in the Latin Liturgy makes clear when the baptized are anointed with Chrism, in the presence of the People of God), the rite of Baptism is held in highest honor by all Christians. Nor is it lawful for anyone to repeat it once it has been validly celebrated, even by separated brethren. 5. Moreover, the washing with water in the word of life,14 which is what Baptism is, cleanses human beings of every stain of sin, both original and personal, and makes them sharers in the divine nature15 9 Cf. John 3:5. 10 Matthew 28:19. 11 Cf. Ephesians 2:22. 12 Cf. 1 Peter 2:9. 13 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis redintegratio, no. 22. 14 Cf. Ephesians 5:26. 15 Cf. 2 Peter 1:4.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzMzNzY=