Taking the Baptismal Plunge

Baptisms are delightful. Especially as water flows down, often startling a sleeping infant. Most of us do not remember our own baptisms. I sometimes wish that I was baptized as an adult just to immerse myself in the ritual, the plunging into water, literally washed over and emerging with the joy and hope that accompanies transformation. In the early church of the first century, baptisms were truly life-changing experiences for new followers of The Way. 

In baptism, we go from death to life. We die to our old selves and we rise from the waters as new creations, sharing in the rising of Christ. For even Jesus was baptized. As it is now, we sometimes renew our baptismal promises together in community because we so easily forget our baptismal call. 

As adults, we are asked to respond to questions like these: Do you reject Satan? Do you believe in God, creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, life everlasting? 

Do your answers make a difference in your life?

This time of year, when the leaves begin their surrender to the ground, I ask myself if my old self has really died, the me that is often too busy or preoccupied to listen to my baptismal call. Creation all around me dies in order to find new life again. If given the chance today, would you take the plunge?