Mystagogy of Baptism

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I assume by saying the mystagogical interpretation you are asking what the RCIA teaches on baptism? The very term mystagogy refers to the period of time after Easter that the candidates reflect on their experiences of coming into the church and further learn what the symbols mean. It ends at Pentecost.

Are you asking what Baptism means to Catholics? or looking for something else?
 
bmullins

In Baptism there are many signs that point to invisible realities.

I was thinking in terms of the saying, mystagogy is to the sacraments what exegesis is to the Bible.

I was hoping for help not only with Baptism, but with all of the sacraments.

Yes to your post, the early Church did what you said.
 
I need to ask or to phrase my question differently.

There are many signs in the seven sacraments.

What are the meanings of the signs in Baptism?

To what do the outward signs point?

Thanks!
 
Do you mean what does the water represent? the candles? the words being used etc?
 
For Baptism, water, oil, candle and salt, however, especially the water.

Please forgive my lack of knowledge, I want the hidden meaning for the main outward symbol for each sacrament.

I want the mystery for each sacrament’s outward sign.

Thanks!
 
Well there is quite a lot of symbolism there, and I’m going to give a short snippet to the basics. It’s a very deep subject that could literally fill several posts with each object. (For instance water points to the water that flowed from Jesus side, it also points to the salvation of man through the ark, it also points to the three days in the tomb and resurrection.)

Here is a short list from a writing about baptism and what it means:
Water: The sacrament of Baptism is filled with symbols which celebrate the reality of truth within
the life of the newly forming Christian. The overriding symbol o water is used in every Baptism.
The richness of the symbolism is particularly enhanced when one understands that water had
various ranks: from the lowest form of water (a mere puddle) to grand, flowing rivers of clean,
clear water – true “living” water. Water gives life, relieves thirst and cleans. In addition to water, there are many other symbols used in Baptism. Some other symbols used in
Baptism and their meaning are:
Perfumed Oil: Oils was an important all purpose medium in the ancient Mediterranean world used
for cooking, illumination, cleaning and cosmetics. It was used by application and by drinking for
its sacred effects. It is used for anointing in many sacred rituals, including Baptism where it
signifies the anointing by the Holy Spirit.
White Garment: This stems from the ancient rite in which the baptized in which the baptized
removed their clothes before being immersed in water. After Baptism they put on a white linen
robe to signify that they were now a new person, a pure person.
Salt: Salt has always been used as a preservative. This Christian interpretation of salt is that its use
preserves the person from corruption.
Candle: In ancient Times the candle was important because without electricity, the night was dark.
The candle brought light to that darkness. During Baptism, the candle which is lighted from the
Easter candle communicates the triumph of the light of faith over the darkness of sin.
Click to expand...
For some more in depth information, take a look at this writing- What is Baptism
 
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