Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and it is the first and basic sacrament of Christian initiation. According to the Catholic Church, this sacrament cleanses us from original sin and brings us into the family of God. Through baptism, we become members of the Church, which is the body of Christ. But what promises do we make in Catholic baptismal promises, and how do we live up to them?
First and foremost, as Catholics, we affirm our belief in one God, who is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which means that we immerse ourselves in the Triune God. Our faith is not just in three Gods, it is in one God who exists in three persons.
Second, we renounce Satan and all his works, as well as all his empty promises. This means that we reject evil and everything that goes against God’s love and truth. We turn away from sin and strive to follow Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. We also promise to resist the temptations of the devil and to seek the help of the Holy Spirit in our struggles against evil.
Third, we promise to believe in the Catholic Church and to support its mission. This means that we acknowledge the Church as the bride of Christ, who nourishes us with the word of God and the sacraments. We also promise to participate in the life of the Church, to contribute to its needs, and to obey its spiritual leaders, especially the Pope, who is the visible head of the Church.
Fourth, we promise to lead a Christian life and to bear witness to our faith in word and deed. This means that we strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God and that reflects the values of the Gospel. We also promise to share the good news of salvation with others and to be Christ’s ambassadors in the world.
Fifth, we promise to respect human dignity and the rights of others. This means that we recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or social status. We also promise to work for justice and peace, to defend the vulnerable and the marginalized, and to promote the common good.
Sixth, we promise to cooperate with God’s grace and to seek the help of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. This means that we acknowledge our weakness and our need for God’s help, and that we rely on his grace to overcome sin and temptation. We also promise to pray regularly, to read the Bible, and to participate in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Seventh, we promise to prepare ourselves for the reception of the other sacraments, especially the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist. This means that we recognize the importance of these sacraments in our spiritual growth and that we make a conscious effort to receive them worthily and often.
The Catholic baptismal promises are not just a one-time event, but a lifelong commitment to God and his Church. We must strive to keep these promises every day of our lives, and to grow in our faith and love for God and for others. By doing so, we become true disciples of Christ and share in his mission to save the world.
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