Tuesday, October 28, 2008

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."

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Trees of the field

Never imagined it would happen, but my favorite botanist/priest/chef has a new blog. I join the trees of the field in clapping my hands in delight!