This Sunday, we follow up on our sermon from last week on baptism, discussing now the minister of baptism. John the Baptist certainly knew who Jesus was, he leaped for joy in the womb and recognized Jesus and Messiah and God even from before either was born!
However, following St Augustine, we maintain that was John learned at our Lord's baptism is the He would always retain the ministry of baptism to himself - and likewise for all the sacraments. Whoever baptizes, it is Jesus who baptizes -- and this gives unity to the Church, as well as certainty to the sacraments. The power of the sacraments does not depend on the holiness of a particular priest, but on the holiness of Jesus who instituted baptism.
This is consoling to us in an age in which many priests and many bishops have failed us, have caused grave scandal, have failed to teach the true faith. We remain Catholic, because through baptism we are incorporated into Christ.
Listen online [here]!
