January 12, 2025
The Liturgy of Baptism is full of signs and symbols (many of which are recounted during the funeral liturgy) and there is no way to adequately express all of them here. Nonetheless, I want to point some of them out and provide the text of the prayers so that you can reflect on your own baptism, the baptism of your children, and the importance of having children baptized in the faith of the Church.
Baptism is conveyed under the sacramental sign of pouring water which symbolizes cleansing and accomplishes the remission of sins and adoption into the family of God. This is seen in the funeral rite when the casket is sprinkled with holy water.
Anointing after Baptism – the child who has just been baptized is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens while the celebrant says the following prayer. While not directly seen in the Funeral Liturgy, and not conveying exactly the same sign, nor the same grace, the Anointing of the Sick, which was hopefully received sometime before death, is linked with the anointing after Baptism.
The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into His holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of His body, sharing everlasting life.
Clothing with the White Garment – witnessed at the funeral by the white pall placed over the casket:
N., you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that unstained dignity into the everlasting life of heaven.
Lighting of the baptism candle from the Paschal (Easter) Candle – witnessed at the funeral by the presence of the Paschal Candle in the sanctuary:
Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as a child of the light. May they keep the flame of faith alive in their heart. When the Lord comes, may they go out to meet Him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.
The Ephphetha Prayer (be opened) – this prayer is recited while the celebrated makes the sign of the cross over the baby’s ears and lips which indicates our desire for the child to grow up hearing the Word of God and learning to proclaim the Word of God. This is witnessed at the funeral liturgy by the presence of the body during the proclamation of the word.
The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the mute speak. May He soon touch your ears to receive His word, and your mouth to proclaim His faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.
Two Parishes, One Heart
Fr. Adam