Donna M. Cole

Into one Body

We don't take baptism very seriously at all. We should, because it defines us, connects us, names us, gives us purpose, and ultimately admits us into heaven. We treat it very carelessly indeed. Among the sacraments, for the most part, baptism is the poor relative. In our parish community settings, for Eucharist, confirmation, and matrimony, we have huge gatherings, visiting clergy, parties, and presents. For holy orders one would think royalty had been crowned, the fuss that is made for ordinations and first Masses. For penance we preach and pound the pulpit and devote special classes to the formation of young children so that their heinous sins of tattling and teasing might be forgiven. We make elaborate arrangements so that our sick may be comforted, consoled, and anointed, as well they should be; our presence to those who suffer in illness should be more of a priority than it is in so many places. But until post-conciliar restoration of the Easter Vigil brought a better understanding of the vital role of the catechumenate and baptism in the community life of the church, the most common experience of the sacrament was that of infants hidden away in the baptistry. Even now, although baptism is declared to be a community event, we seem to lack a true understanding of what that means. We don't really want to be "baptized into one body" (1 Cor 12:13) if that body happens to be homeless or ill or unpopular. We have difficulty sharing in the celebration of baptism if it is inconvenient or time-consuming. We struggle with the preparation of families and community for baptism, even knowing how well the catechumenate model has served us as an example for faith formation in general. Somehow we fail to connect the dots, to see that the font commissions us, draws us into relationships, bestows the only value worth treasuring and sets us on fire in faith. 

This issue of ML reflects on that power of baptism. Robert Weber plunges into an area that many would prefer to ignore. Abuse and violence in relationships is a dark dimension of human interaction. We spend a great deal of time affirming the positive aspects of relationships, but it is critical that we consider openly and honestly the impact that abuse has on individuals and the community. When one of us is victimized, we are all diminished. Recognizing the mission of all the baptized, Scott O'Brien shares with us the way that he builds up the community of faith in the campus setting. In those particularly crucial years of emotional and spiritual development, it is critical that students have an opportunity to grow as members of a community grounded in a baptismal identity. Finding ways to explore and express faith experiences is a significant part of the community life; Linda McCray describes an innovative way of entering into these graced moments through a retreat centered on Pentecost and facilitated by art. Participants contributed to their community's experience of the Holy Spirit by means of the artwork created as a result of this retreat. On a more concrete note, B. Gunar Gruenke offers a startling look at what can happen to the brick and mortar aspect of our communities if we neglect to prepare for the moment when disaster may strike. While it is true that our treasure is in one another and in heaven, those elements in our worship spaces made sacred by their use should be protected against loss and preserved for future generations. They speak not only of our devotion but of who we are as a community.

We should pay attention to who we say we are as a community. If baptism is primary, if we are a people who are baptized into the death of Christ, if we are a people whose authority comes from the baptism into new life that we all share, we're on solid ground. If we understand that the act of baptism is one of simplicity that can take place anywhere, anytime, by anyone, but that the responsibility of witnessing to and sustaining the baptized belongs to the community, then we will have taken a step forward. When the Easter Vigil is better attended than any Mass of Easter Sunday, we will have begun to take on the community identity of a baptized people who yearn to celebrate that baptismal moment over and over again. ML

Correction: In October's feature "The Color of Christmas," artist Nancy Chinn's designs in paper were mentioned as being done with kraft paper. Nancy suggests that photographic backdrop paper or Tyvek are better choices for this type of work (kraft paper is too weak).

We're Still Green: ML remains a "Paper Hero" on Green America's Paper Project website (www.coopamerica.org/programs/woodwise/publishers/heroes/index.cfm) because it is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

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