WADE IN THE WATER
“The symbol of water reminds us of our utter dependence on God and our baptismal responsibility to bring life-giving water to those in our world.”
Sacraments give us access to the Christ of history and the Christ whose presence continues today. Te source of God’s revelation to us in and through the sacraments is oftentimes referred to as signs.
Te Church uses the word sign interchangeably with the word sacrament. We can explore each sacrament by exploring the signs associated with each sacrament. Another word for sign is symbol; every sacrament possesses a symbol that expresses the reality of the sacrament.2
We are reminded that signs “point to a deeper reality: God’s self-communication in the world. Drawing upon the words and deeds of revelation to express a vision of God’s love and saving power . . . ”3
Water as symbol
Tere are nine dominant sacramental symbols: fire/light, community, cross, word, laying on of hands, water, oil, garment, bread and wine. While every sacrament includes the first four, for the purposes of this discussion we will explore the primary symbol of baptism. To do so, we’ll look to the perspective set forth by an earlier
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catechetical document, Sharing the Light of Faith, National Catechetical Directory for Catholics of the United States. “Te signs of God’s saving activity have come to be classified under four general headings: biblical signs, liturgical signs, ecclesial signs and natural signs. Tough closely related, signs of each kind have special characteristics.”4
We will, therefore, break open the characteristics of baptism’s primary symbol of water from the perspective of the four signs in hopes of enhancing our understanding and appreciation of this foundational sacrament and ultimately—and most importantly—foster and invite conversion of heart.
Our Church teaches that Jesus is present in our sacramental symbols. Te word baptism comes from the Greek baptizein—to plunge or immerse in water. Tus, we encounter Jesus in the water of baptism. Te sign itself conveys the reality of Jesus’ presence.
Natural Sign: natural properties of water What is it about water that caused ancient communities to consider it a sign of God’s presence? “Water can cause destruction as well as life and cleansing, lending itself as a symbol of God’s judgment as well as of life and forgiveness.”5
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