One Baptism. Above all, through all, in all.
“I will baptize you with water for repentance,
But one who is more powerful than I am coming after me;
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:11
When Pastor Jane is asked to preside at the baptism of baby Elijah, the son of parishioners she dearly loves, she is overcome with anxiety. This is her first baptism as a newly ordained pastor and she becomes driven by the need to be perfect as she presides at this scared ritual.
Over and again she practices standing by the font, walking through each step, drilling the specific words to memory and actions to precision. She wants no surprises.
On Sunday, with full confidence and control Pastor Jane invites the family holding baby Elijah and all the members of the congregation to gather around the baptismal font.
The sacred ceremony continues as planned until she holds Elijah over the font. As she dips one hand into the blessed water, she catches Elijah’s gaze. He looks straight into her eyes from the depth of his newborn soul with wide eyed anticipation. His tiny body is calm, ready to receive.
With this connection, Pastor Jane loses awareness of all she has practiced. Her mind goes blank. She is not prepared for interruption of the holy. She looks into his face with awe.
The Spirit beyond all knowing, outside of her control, breathes into the moment, inviting Jane to continue with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
They are held within a Holy Mystery of grace no practice can anticipate and no perfection can acquire.
Breathprayer: Breathing in: Come to the waters…
Breathing out: …for newness of life.
Reflection: When has the Holy Spirit showed up, surprising you with grace?