More than remembering a historical event, the liturgy Jan. 9 celebrating the Baptism of the Lord is an opportunity for immersion into another aspect of Christ’s life and work of salvation, said Father Tom Margevicius, director of worship for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Father Tom Margevicius
Speaking with Patrick Conley for an episode of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show airing 9 p.m. Dec. 31 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, Father Margevicius was asked why Jesus, a divine person, would choose to be baptized.
Matthew, Mark and Luke each write about Christ’s baptism with different emphasis on its meaning, Father Margevicius said. Matthew cites St. John the Baptist protesting Jesus’ desire to be baptized, with Christ responding, “it is fitting to fulfill all righteousness.”
That has been interpreted, Father Margevicius said, as Jesus’ desire in his humanity to be fully immersed in the life of God. Another writer has emphasized that Jesus was baptized to sanctify the water, offering to others through his act full life in himself, Father Margevicius said.
The Church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation, a difficult concept, Conley said.
Father Margevicius begins his explanation by saying the word “necessary” can be understood in different ways. As followers of Christ, Christians are beholden to participate in the sacrament of baptism, he said. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, God has bound himself to the sacraments, but he is not bound by them, Father Margevicius said. God also can act outside the sacraments, in ways unseen, to accomplish salvation of souls, he said.
To hear more of the discussion, including ways that immersion into the waters of baptism is likened to burial and resurrection, listen to the full episode, which also can be heard at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 and 2 p.m. Jan. 2 on Relevant Radio.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes interviews with Jason Adkins, executive director of Minnesota Catholic Conference, who discusses some possible outcomes of the U.S. Supreme Court’s deliberations on Mississippi’s ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, and Father John Paul Erickson’s suggestions for integrating Catholic faith with constructive and creative New Year’s resolutions.
Listen to all of the interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com; soundcloud.com/PracticingCatholic and tinyurl.com/PracticingCatholic (Spotify)
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