Just Teach Sheet – Adult January Week 2 – 2026

Adult Formation – Just Teach Sheet
January Week 2 (2026)
Theme: Baptism and New Life in Christ
Focus: The Baptismal Signs – Water, Light, and Oil
Audience: Adults (practising, returning, catechists, serious learners)

Weekly Goal

To understand that Baptism is not a vague beginning but a real transformation explained through signs.
Water, light, and oil are not decorations or symbolism only — they teach what God actually does and how the baptised are meant to live.

What You’ll Need

This sheet
A Bible
Quiet time for reflection
Optional: holy water or a candle

Opening Prayer (Daily)

Heavenly Father,
You give us signs that teach us what You have done.
Help me understand my Baptism more deeply
and live according to the grace I have received.
Amen.

Day 1 – Why God Uses Signs

Core Teaching

God knows that human beings learn through what we can see and touch.
That is why He uses signs — visible actions that communicate invisible grace.

Jesus Himself worked this way: water, bread, touch, light, spoken words.
Christianity is not a theory about God — it is God acting in the real world.

John 3:5
“No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.”

In Baptism, God uses visible signs to do something real within the soul.

Reflection

Do I treat the sacraments as reminders, or as real encounters with God?

Practice

Today, consciously thank God that He works through real, ordinary things.

Deepening (Optional)

Sacraments work ex opere operato — by Christ’s action, not by the recipient’s feelings or understanding.
This safeguards the objectivity of grace and prevents faith from collapsing into psychology.

Day 2 – Water: Death and New Life

Core Teaching

Water has two meanings in Baptism.

First, it cleans.
This shows forgiveness of sin and a real beginning again.

Second, it overwhelms.
Going into water shows the old life being left behind.

Romans 6:3–4
“We were buried with Him through Baptism into death.”

Baptism is not about being slightly improved.
It is about changing direction.

Reflection

What parts of my old way of living still resist this new direction?

Practice

If possible, bless yourself with holy water and remember your Baptism.

Deepening (Optional)

The Fathers consistently interpret baptismal water as both death and rebirth.
St Paul’s language is ontological, not poetic: Baptism truly unites the person to Christ’s death.

Day 3 – Light: Truth and Direction

Core Teaching

Light allows us to see clearly.
Without it, we stumble even if we mean well.

Jesus says:
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world.”

The baptismal candle means Christ gives light for conscience, truth, and direction — not comfort alone.

Light exposes what needs healing.

Reflection

Where do I avoid God’s light because it challenges me?

Practice

Light a candle and pray quietly:
“Lord, show me the truth I need to live.”

Deepening (Optional)

Christian illumination is moral as well as intellectual.
Light forms conscience by revealing truth, not by affirming preference.

Day 4 – Oil: Strength and Mission

Core Teaching

In Baptism, the Church anoints with oil.
Oil strengthens, heals, and prepares.

This shows that the baptised are not only forgiven — they are sent.

1 John 2:20
“You have been anointed by the Holy One.”

Baptism gives dignity and responsibility.

Reflection

Do I live as someone sent by God, or only as a private believer?

Practice

Ask God today for strength to live your faith publicly and honestly.

Deepening (Optional)

Anointing connects Baptism to kingship, priesthood, and prophecy.
This prepares the way for Confirmation and full participation in Christ’s mission.

Day 5 – Living the Signs Daily

Core Teaching

The signs of Baptism explain how Christian life works:

Water: leave sin behind
Light: choose truth
Oil: live with courage

Grace does not remove struggle, but it changes what struggle means.

Ephesians 5:8
“Live as children of light.”

Reflection

Which baptismal sign challenges me most right now?

Practice

Choose one concrete action this week that reflects your Baptism.

Deepening (Optional)

Moral life flows from sacramental identity.
We do not strive in order to belong — we strive because we already belong.

Weekend Synthesis

Core truths
God uses signs because He works through reality.
Water means forgiveness and new direction.
Light means truth and conscience.
Oil means strength and mission.
Baptism shapes the whole of Christian life.

Apologetics and Clarifications

Is Baptism only symbolic?
No. The Church teaches sacramental causality — the signs effect what they signify.

Why do baptised people still struggle?
Grace heals and strengthens freedom; it does not replace it.

Why use physical things at all?
Because God created us body and soul, and saves us as both.

Catechism References

CCC 694 – Water as sign of life
CCC 1213 – Baptism as foundation
CCC 1241–1243 – Meaning of baptismal signs
CCC 1265–1267 – New life in Christ
CCC 1695 – Living as children of light

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You have given me new life in Baptism.
Help me leave behind what does not belong to You,
walk in the light of truth,
and live with the courage You give.
May my life reflect the grace I have received.
Amen.