Dcn Leah Sandwell-Weiss

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. … And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. Mark 1:9-10, 12.

Dear Friends,

During the recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we went to a traditional baptismal site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, pictured here with remains of later churches and shelters:

I’ve been to two other traditional sites, but this one felt the most real. We had a brief service and renewed our baptismal vows there.

Participating in this service at Bethany Beyond the Jordan and reading about the Baptism of Jesus reminds me of my own baptism. I remember this event, as the church I grew up in believed in adult baptism. We also believed in baptism by total immersion. I’d been to a few baptisms as a child, down by a local creek. When I was 14 or so, I decided it was time for me to be baptized, but I insisted on going to a church with a baptistry or pool indoors. No creek for me. The most memorable part of my baptism happened when I was dunked—the pastor put his hands on my eyes and pushed both of my contacts off center.

Now I suppose it’s a little sad that I don’t remember much else of my introduction to the community of all believers, but that’s about it. It was what you did as a young teenager in my church and community. I re-dedicated my life to Jesus several times, and, after joining the Episcopal Church, renewed my baptismal vows many times, at the baptisms of others and at Easter. We also recite the baptismal covenant every time we start a new book in the anti-racism discussion group. We vow to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourself, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. This reminds us that we are bound to everyone in the world.

As I read the scripture now, I also notice how the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness after the baptism. Jesus didn’t get to rest after the Spirit descended on him. He didn’t get cake at a reception. He had to go out by himself to reflect and pray about what had just happened to him.

I’m quite sure I got cake. And at 14, I certainly didn’t reflect on what my baptism meant. But we can always listen to what the Spirit is calling us to do. It doesn’t take a baptism and a dove.

Are you listening?

—Dcn Leah