Baptism the main focus of Easter - why?

[Happy2bcatholic]

Unless I am mistaken, I recall my pastor at the Easter vigil stating that (and I might be paraphrasing incorrectly) that the main focus of Easter at least sacrament wise is baptism. now of course I know that without baptism you cannot get any other sacraments, BUT I would have thought that the main focus of Easter - sacrament wise - would be the Holy Eucharist. Please explain. or maybe I’m just confused? Thank you!

 

[Joannm]

From the early centuries of the Church, Easter was the time for new Christians to be baptized. In fact, the focus of Lent was, and still is, preparation for baptism. Christians would join with the Elect in preparing for Easter. There is a baptismal character to the Easter liturgy. The lighting of the new fire and the Paschal Candle, the renewal of our baptismal promises, the sprinkling with Holy Water and new life in Christ given to us through His resurrection. So your priest is correct in saying the focus is baptism. Holy Thursday’s focus in the Eucharist.

 

[TheMc]

I can’t speak to much more than what I’m about to say, but I would point out that some readings change if baptism is not celebrated, so it is at least very important.

 

[Joannm]

The only thing in the Liturgy of the Word that changes if there are no baptisms is one of the psalms. The readings remain the same although all OT readings do not have to be read. And of course there is no Rite of Baptism. The Litany of the Saints is also left out as that is part of the Rite.

 

[TheMc]

The only thing in the Liturgy of the Word that changes if there are no baptisms is one of the psalms. The readings remain the same although all OT readings do not have to be read. And of course there is no Rite of Baptism. The Litany of the Saints is also left out as that is part of the Rite.

My mistake. I just checked my holy week notes, and only the 7th psalm changes if there is no baptisms. Mea Cupla!

 

[Bookcat]

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20070407_veglia-pasquale_en.html

One can read other years there as well

 

[ConstantineTG]

Unless I am mistaken, I recall my pastor at the Easter vigil stating that (and I might be paraphrasing incorrectly) that the main focus of Easter at least sacrament wise is baptism. now of course I know that without baptism you cannot get any other sacraments, BUT I would have thought that the main focus of Easter - sacrament wise - would be the Holy Eucharist. Please explain. or maybe I’m just confused? Thank you!

The representation of the outward sign of Baptism is the dying and being born again in Christ. That is why the traditional method of Baptism is by immersion. By going under the water, we die with Christ. And by coming up we resurrect with Christ.