It doesn't surprise me that Peter would be the one to remind us that baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. Peter must have providentially remembered this.
In being reminded not to miss the heart of the gospel, we do not want to fall into a mere symbolism, as though it is not Christ who baptizes, who forgives, who brings into communion. We are not believers in magic or superstition; we are believers in Christ.
Don't miss the story; Christ is the end of the Law. Christ is the Beginning and the End. What good is rule-keeping, without attaining communion with Him?
The obedience of faith only happens when kindled by the holy fire of charity. Those who attempt to attain it apart from Christ will be uprooted, as He will say later, "And all this will come upon you, because you did not recognize the moment of your visitation." But we are confident of this: that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus.
In being reminded not to miss the heart of the gospel, we do not want to fall into a mere symbolism, as though it is not Christ who baptizes, who forgives, who brings into communion. We are not believers in magic or superstition; we are believers in Christ.
Don't miss the story; Christ is the end of the Law. Christ is the Beginning and the End. What good is rule-keeping, without attaining communion with Him?
The obedience of faith only happens when kindled by the holy fire of charity. Those who attempt to attain it apart from Christ will be uprooted, as He will say later, "And all this will come upon you, because you did not recognize the moment of your visitation." But we are confident of this: that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus.
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