Thursday, March 4

lenten2010

Thursday, March 4

By Vince McGlothin-Eller, 1^st year PhD student & Assistant Registrar

Jesus' Baptism by John. Chapel of the Unnamed Faithful. Photo by Al Caldwell.

From the Introduction of Baptismal Covenant IV.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift., offered to us without price.

Several years ago, I went through a difficult spring. As we went through Lent that year, I found that the season which can so often be one of remorse can also be a season of comfort. The idea of moving through Lent towards Baptism at Easter led me to write the following poem. These words still speak to me of our connection to Christ through Baptism.

A vision of light and love now shines into my Lenten heart.

The darkness melts away,

And my heart is reborn.

Joy rises, emptying the tomb of my soul.

The baptism of my tears is completed,

Sealed by the love we share.

Your arms enfold me in shining newness;

No longer lost and alone, we are now joined.

At the font, Lover and Beloved become one,

Their love consummated at the Feast.

We pray that love will never end;

We pray for freedom from past sin.