We are baptized forever. Do we live as if we know that, really know that in the depths of our being? We all know people who do live as if they know that, who serve generously and spread the Good news tirelessly (using words only when necessary, as St. Francis of Assisi famously advised). They are thoughtful stewards of God’s good creation, including themselves. They are sorry when they sin (as we all do) and forgive themselves as God does, resolving to do better. They rejoice with the joyful and grieve with the sorrowful; they speak out against injustice and work for what’s right. Their sure and certain hope gives them a kind of serenity that makes other people want to be around them. And that serenity comes form that deep awareness and gratitude for the gift of baptism. May we follow their example.
This reflection comes from “Come to the waters,” a devotion by Audrey Novak Riley, that first appeared in the July 2008 issue of Interchange.