Devotion - Wednesday, Sept 3

I too often forget and are always grateful for the reminders that church professionals have their own particular vocabulary and collection of references.  When I refer to a concept or person and you don't know the reference I have fallen short in my attempt to illumine the faith traditions of the Church.  

You are invited to call me on such references or words.  If you don't know what I am talking about, chances are pretty good others don't either.  

With this in mind, I read today's appointed Gospel lesson (John 1:29-42) with an eye on what is assumed as we read the story.  The part that struck me the most is baptism itself.

In this story, John baptizes Jesus.  This was the style of ministry John had taken on.  This is why he is often referred to as "John the Baptist," though it would be better to call him "John the Baptizer."  The shorter reference leads some to think that John was the founder of the modern Christian denomination.   

John did not invent baptism.  There were many engaged in this practice.  It was a ritual cleansing, an outward symbol of an inward conversion or re-commitment to following God.

The early Christian Church would pick up the practice of baptism; having been instructed by Jesus to "go into all the world, baptizing and teaching them all that I (Jesus) have commanded."  But this baptism was not one of repentance and re-commitment.  This baptism was into the death and resurrection of our Christ.

There continue to be other faith traditions in which a ritual washing is part of religious life.  Christians are not the only ones who "baptize."  It isn't the water or the act which makes it a sacrament for us.  Our baptism is sacred because it unites us to Jesus and to his invitation to follow.