Marked as Christ's own for ever
In seminary, I didn't get the chance in "Play Church" class to baptize everyone's favourite doll, Anita Dunkin (!). But I've known all along that the priestly role which I anticipated with greatest joy was presiding at Holy Baptism, and especially praying these words:
N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever.
While organizing my sermons from the past years, I noted that I used the words above numerous times when describing how the baptized become members of the household of God, for me a turning point even now in making major decisions. Will what I choose to do in a particular situation reveal that I know that I'm marked as Christ's own for ever? And if not, should I be rethinking my actions?
This coming Sunday, I will baptize for the first time. We have five baptismal candidates; the rector and I will share duties. When it's my turn to speak the words, I pray I'll have sufficient grace to remember what action comes next, and not be so astounded by the liturgy that I become the image of "Still Life with Priest."
N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever.
While organizing my sermons from the past years, I noted that I used the words above numerous times when describing how the baptized become members of the household of God, for me a turning point even now in making major decisions. Will what I choose to do in a particular situation reveal that I know that I'm marked as Christ's own for ever? And if not, should I be rethinking my actions?
This coming Sunday, I will baptize for the first time. We have five baptismal candidates; the rector and I will share duties. When it's my turn to speak the words, I pray I'll have sufficient grace to remember what action comes next, and not be so astounded by the liturgy that I become the image of "Still Life with Priest."
posted by Raisin at
2:15 PM
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