I’ve been thinking recently about baptism. But not by myself. This month Lawrence N (this Sunday) and Sarah M (June 21st at the outdoor service at Highbanks) will be baptized, and we’ve been meeting to discuss baptismal vows, scripture, and baptism stories. A couple of those stories have come from Jim L and Bethany D who are serving as baptism sponsors. Sponsors are chosen to witness, bless, and accompany someone through the baptismal process. The last time we met Jim and Bethany shared their own story of baptism and how its meaning has evolved over their lives.
It’s that last part I think about a lot regarding baptism. Baptism is not just a one-time act with a set meaning. Baptism is a symbol so dense, with meaning so deep, it takes a lifetime to live out. And one might very well find oneself living out a different meaning of baptism than one had the day they were baptized.
Paul speaks of baptism as participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, a new humanity emerging out of the water (Romans 6:3-4). When Jesus was baptized, he was met with the dove of the Spirit and heard a divine voice confirm his status as Beloved (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22). Lydia’s first instinct post-baptism was an act of hospitality, inviting Paul and Silas into her home (Acts 16:15). The early Anabaptists risked citizenship in their “Christian” society by rebaptizing themselves as adults and declaring their faith in a nonviolent Jesus.
Death and resurrection, Spirit and belovedness, hospitality, courageous resistance to state violence – how could we ever expect to know what we’re getting ourselves into through these baptismal vows? Except that we are committing to a way, a path, within community. The singular act of baptism can serve as a reference point for our deepest calling and the best of our humanity. And if you don’t think about baptism much, that’s alright. It’s still there, in all its density and depth, ready to offer its meaning as we continue to live it out.
Joel