Baptism as the source of lay apostolate

Abstract

The issue of lay apostolate understood as the engagement of the whole Church in the preaching of the Gospel must be referenced to the sacrament of baptism as its source. The source nature of baptism can be seen in several aspects. The following are the main two.

The first one is the inclusion by baptism into the Church, which is apostolic and missionary by its nature. The Church fulfills the apostolic task by both the consecrated and involved in the sacramental priesthood as well as all the baptized laity. Baptism, which includes into the Church, is the act of salvation which enables us to carry out the tasks of the Apostles.

The second aspect is the participation in the triple dignity of Christ - the priestly, prophetic and kingly. In all of these three concepts is hidden the mystery of communion with Christ, who himself being the first to preach the Gospel, enables and calls all the baptized to this task.

In both these aspects the crucial and source role is played by the sacrament of baptism.