Sacramental signs We are a sacramental people. Oddly, that sacramental nature both unites us and divides us. By our sacraments we are initiated, transformed, reconciled, commissioned, united, and healed. Through these we discover and are filled with grace. Somehow, though, we find a way to quarrel over when and how we celebrate them and who may preside over them. Still, they define and guide us because they form our imagination and help us to grasp the mystery of a God who is always present if seemingly unseen. Each of our sacraments transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, taking our common human experience and converting it into an encounter with the holy. The imagery of our baptismal rite is rich with words and symbol that swirl around the paschal mystery. “Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power” (this and all excerpts from Rite of Baptism for Children, Blessing and Invocation of God over Baptismal Water, A). Water is a sign itself, spanning the ages as a testament to the presence and action of God in our world. “The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery to be an image of God’s holy people, set free from sin by baptism.” That same water takes on deeper meaning as it continues to flow through salvation history, “In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross.” Then Jesus, the new Adam, after his resurrection, commands his disciples, “Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” And so we do, teaching and preaching by the authority of that same baptism, in an eternal cycle of baptism and the mystery of death and resurrection. The unique nature of signs and symbols is that they hold multidimensional layers of meaning and at the same time offer different experiences for each person. With all of that in mind, this issue of ML seeks to explore what baptism offers each of us and some of what our response might be. Paige Byrne Shortal proposes that interceding for the world is one response to baptism, suggesting that there is a call to the ministry of intercessor. Bill Graham, in what has become his customary style, suggests that baptism challenges us to a radical transformation in our future and presents reflections from two of his students as echoes of his hope in such a future. Leisa Anslinger presents an unusual approach to “teaching all nations” as she seeks out the “lost generation” among us. Gary Macy offers an approach to identifying the grace of baptism. Paul Turner provides us with an understanding of the connection between baptism and reconciliation, with an emphasis on the power of baptism to lead us to a richer life in the Spirit. We are not only a sacramental people, but we are called to be true sacrament, a sign to the world of the grace often overlooked by an egocentric culture focused on material gain. It is our responsibility by baptism to bring hope and light to that troubled world. Even now, we are strengthened in this by the baptismal waters that continue to flow when we ask God to “look now with love upon your Church and unseal for it the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son.” By committing to the sacramental nature of who we are called to be, we perpetuate the invocation of the divine and bind it inseparably to our own human nature. We can be one in this if we choose to reject not only Satan and all his works and empty promises but also everything that divides the Body of Christ against itself. Then our prayer that “all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life” will truly reflect the unseen power of the God who makes all things new. ML From the Publisher: ML goes green! As we mentioned in the last issue, Ministry & Liturgy is now being printed on a new paper. This 100% recycled paper saves trees, which is important because today the print magazine industry claims about one tree per second. However, we understand that some readers miss the look and feel of the glossier paper, so we are working with our printer to identify a glossy paper that is not only recycled but is also Forest Stewardship Council certified. Choosing FSC certified paper helps eliminate the habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples, and violence against people and wildlife that often accompany logging. ML is committed to helping stop the assault on forests without compromising quality. We appreciate your support as we explore evolving solutions. SUBSCRIBE NOW! What do YOU Think? Send an e-mail to ML Editor or post an entry on the ML Current Issue Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may be edited for length.)