Gospel Reflection 2021/2022

"We cannot swim (or learn swimming) without getting wet."

Swimming is an all-time favourite sport and recreational activity. It is the self-propulsion of a person in water through a series of rhythmic and coordinated movement of the body parts.

Though aquaphobia (fear of water) is uncommon, yet learning to swim can still be daunting and intimidating to many. It is popularly said, “You cannot swim (or learn swimming) without getting wet.”

Yes, we simply cannot swim (or learn swimming) without immersing ourselves into the water. To excel in swimming, we also need to learn, understand, obey and follow the science and the ‘strokes’ of swimming. With the help of the swimming science and the ‘strokes’, only then can we enjoy the ‘freedom’ like fish in water.

We cannot FULLY become Christians without the Sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism (Greek: baptizien) means ‘plunge’ or ‘immerse’; the ‘plunge’ into the water symbolises our burial with Christ’s death, from which we rise up by resurrection with Christ, as new creatures. [CCC 1214]

The Sacrament of Baptism is the FORMAL initiation into the Christian faith. There is no other alternative way of Christian initiation except through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Just as we cannot swim (or learn swimming) without getting wet, so we too cannot FULLY become a Christian without the Sacrament of Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism buries our old sinful selves and opens up for us the new life in Christ, empowered and nourished by the other six Sacraments i.e. the Sacraments of Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony.

Nowadays, there is a rising trend and temptation to downplay the necessity and the importance of the Sacrament of Baptism. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church [cf. CCC 1257] has clearly and consistently professed and taught that :

“The Lord Himself affirms that (the Sacrament of) Baptism is NECESSARY for salvation. He also commands His disciples to PROCLAIM the Gospel to the nations and to BAPTISE them… The Church does not know of any means other than (the Sacrament of) Baptism that ASSURES entry into eternal beatitude.”

Although the Church also believes that there can be the ‘Baptism of blood’ (suffering death for Christ) and the Baptism of desire (ignorant of Christ and His Church but seek to do good and do the will of God), but the Baptism by ‘water and Spirit’ remains the PRIMARY, ORDINARY and SUREST means of salvation.

Immersing in Christ.

By the grace of the Sacrament of Baptism, we are immersed in our Lord Jesus Christ – in His person, in His presence, and in His power. Baptism not only purifies us from all sins and makes us new creatures in Christ, but we also become the sons and daughters of God, the disciples of Jesus and the members of the living Body of Christ.

• • In swimming, we get ourselves wet by immersing in the water. In Baptism, we immerse ourselves in Christ: the more fully we immerse ourselves in Jesus Christ, the more we become like Him. We must allow our Lord to permeate and transform our mind, our heart, our soul, and yes, every aspect of our life – to be more and more like Him.

• • In swimming, we need to learn, understand, obey and follow the science and the ‘strokes’ of swimming to enjoy the freedom in water. By our Baptism, we are called to learn, understand, obey and follow Jesus Christ our Lord, Saviour and Master. We must learn to know Him more dearly, love Him more intensely, follow Him more closely, and serve Him more passionately. Only through Jesus, with Jesus, and in Jesus, can we reject Satan, sin and evil so as to live in the freedom of God’s children.

Putting out into the deep. [cf. Lk 5:4]

By our Baptism, we are NOT called to remain in our comfort zones, familiar grounds or to play in shallow waters. Instead, with the indelible seal of the Lord on us, we are called to move out of ourselves and put out into the deep (waters) – to read the signs of times, feel the pulse of the people and put ourselves at the better service of the Gospel.

Let our fervent prayer be:

“Lord Jesus Christ, help us to be more and more like You.”