By Val Obienyem
Fr. Ambang Njume’s reflection today, based on Ephesians 4:1-6, centred on the unity of faith within the Christian community, emphasizing St. Paul’s call to “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” He expanded on the sacrament of baptism, outlining its significance and how it is administered according to the Catholic Church, the traditional custodian of Christian teachings as rooted in Scripture and apostolic tradition. He pointed out that for baptism to be valid, it must follow the Trinitarian formula—baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Fr. Ambang also addressed the methods of baptism, explaining that the Catholic Church recognises different forms. Yes, in the Catholic Church, baptism can be by immersion, pouring (affusion), or sprinkling. Each is valid as long as they adhere to the Trinitarian formula.
Baptism is one subject on which Christians have continued to disagree. Thus, we have controversies regarding the method of baptism, infant versus adult baptism, the role of baptism in salvation, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit versus water baptism. At a certain point, the Anabaptists entered the scene and preached their own views.
Baptism and its essence are so important that they were partly the issues addressed by the universal Church at the councils of Nicaea, Carthage, and Trent. As usual, in matters of controversy, the decision of the Magisterium becomes final, as what they do is simply provide the correct interpretation in the light of the Bible and Sacred Tradition.
Now, the question of questions: how was Christ baptized? Was it by immersion, affusion, or sprinkling? The truth is that we are not aware of the actual method used. The preponderance of opinion favours immersion because He went to the banks of the Jordan with John. The assumption is that John immersed Him, but taking the logic further, the Bible does not specify whether John ended up using his hand or cup to scoop water at the bank and baptised Him. Whatever the method, let us not lose sight of the essence of baptism while concentrating on the substance.
Lastly, some might frown at writing like this, believing it does not provide food on the table, especially during these tough times. However challenging it may be, we shall not lose sight of spiritual nourishment as well.
