The Eighth Day
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You may or may not have noticed that both our parishes have baptismal fonts that are octagon shaped, and that it is actually a very traditional way to build a baptismal font that can be found in many churches. However, this little detail is often not noticed, or if it is noticed we miss the meaning behind it.
The octagon is a fitting shape for the baptismal font, because an octagon has eight sides. The number eight has significant meaning in Christian symbolism. This is linked to the original creation story in the book of Genesis where God created the world in seven days. Baptism is a way in which we go beyond the seventh day, because when we are baptized, we are incorporated into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is a new creation: the eighth day! Saint Paul spoke of this when he wrote, “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Cor. 5:17).
Additionally, the very resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Sunday, occurred on the eighth day, which is the first day of the new week. During each and every baptism, the person who is being baptized enters the tomb with Christ and then rises from it with Christ. This is also why new adult Christians are baptized at the Easter Vigil Mass which shows this connection between the resurrection and baptism. It is also why most infants are baptized on Sundays which are mini-Easters.
Ultimately, the Baptismal font is the place where we are reborn through the sacrament of Baptism. It is where we enter into the new life of grace, free from original sin, and become a member of the Church. The octagonal shape of the font symbolizes this new beginning, the start of our Christian life.
Next time you enter either of our Churches, go and look at the baptismal font and consider how in your own baptism you were recreated or reborn in Christ.
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