05-21-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 21, 2023
Yesterday, as I was preparing for this morning’s worship services (I’m at the Traditional Service to do a baptism), I found myself reading a prayer. In the prayer was a simple line, but it really struck me. It read: "At our baptism, we took a vow to walk in your way." When people speak of baptism, they usually use the metaphor of washing themselves of… (could be our past, sins, fears, sadness, injury, guilt, etc.). I find it to be a useful metaphor, but so often within Christianity, we like to think of ourselves on the receiving end and not on the side that comes with expectations. We are baptized into the church (not a local congregation), the Holy Spirit-inspired body that has a clear purpose. It echoes the experiences of Abraham and Sarah, who were blessed by God for the purpose of being a blessing to others. We are received into the waters, a powerful experience through which we are reminded of how we have been received as God’s beloved. This blessing comes with a sacred task: to be those who live our lives in such a way that others come to understand their beloved status as well. May the waters of baptism this morning be a reminder to all of us.

​Surround me; wash me; cleanse me; heal me. This is my request of you, O God, but not simply in the waters of baptism. May it be my experience this morning as I prepare to bring my gifts to the work of sharing your love with all. Amen.