Recalling the Water of our Baptism – the Gift of Life
Have a bowl or Pitcher of Water present
(The water will be used in a ritual for the closing. Leader could pour water from pitcher over the
hands of each person or the bowl of water may be passed around the group and each person
respond with washing hand / making sign of the cross or another sign.)
Opening Song: “Come to the Water” by John Foley, “Water of Life”(Agua de Vida) by Jamie
Cortez, “Baptized in Water” or a song of your choice.
Opening Prayer:
O God, in the heat of these summer days, we are encouraged to stay hydrated, drink water and
keep our bodies from “drying out.” This, too, can be said of our souls. In the busyness of the
summer, we often find our souls thirsting for a deeper relationship with you. God of Water and
of Life, refresh and renew us this day. Help us respond to our baptismal call to serve you and
others in our everyday lives.
Reading: Gospel of Matthew 3:13 - 17
The Baptism of Jesus. 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized
by him. 14* John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are
coming to me?” 15Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to
fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. 16* j After Jesus was baptized, he came up
from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. 17And a voice came from the heavens,
saying, “This is my beloved Son,* with whom I am well pleased.”
Reading from Jesus, A Pilgrimage by James Martin, S.J. (Excerpt from
Chapter 5 “The Jordan”)
(In regard to why Jesus came to John for baptism) Jesus somehow came
to realize that baptism was what God the Father desired for him….it is possible
that Jesus decided to enter even more deeply into the human condition.
Though sinless, Jesus participates in the ritual that others are performing as
well. At the Baptism, Jesus was taking sides with us. God stood in line at the
river.
For those present, three elements would have invited them (and invite
the reader) to imagine in the words of Daniel Harrington, S.J., “a new
possibility of communication” between God and humanity. The first is the
opening of the heavens; second, the dove-like descent of the Spirit; and third,
the voice. Interestingly, the voice identifies Jesus in three ways that would
have been familiar to the early church: “My Son” (reminding the people of the
Davidic king, who was thought of as God’s son), “the Beloved” (as in the story
of Abraham and Isaac, his “beloved son”), and the one with whom God is “well
pleased” (echoing a line from Isaiah describing “God’s servant”). As
Harrington writes, “At the outset of Jesus’ ministry, he is identified in terms of
biblical figures that provide types for his own person and activity.”
Questions for Reflection:
How does the water of Baptism continue to enliven me in body and spirit?
Do I respond to people with a freshness based on my hope and trust in God or am I sometimes
a bit withered and worn in my responses?
Is my heart open to new and refreshing ideas? Am I willing to try new things with an open
mind?
Do I take time to wash away the old hurts and cleanse my life of the habits that have become so
comfortable?
Have I shared with someone younger my joy in the Lord? Have I given them the chance to
share their experiences with me?
Do I see myself as “beloved” by God? Do I recognize the way his “favor rests” on me?
Quiet time and time for sharing
Conclude contemplative sharing with a Water Ritual
Closing Prayer:
O God of Love, you give us the gift of life. You refresh us each day with your love and mercy.
Help us to see you in each person we meet. Give us the courage and strength to be open and
refreshed by the opportunities you give us. You bless us with the rain of your love. Let it
nourish us and help us to grow into the people you have created us to be. In the same way that
water flowed from the desert rock, refresh our tired spirits. The water of our Baptism raises us
to new life. Give us the courage and strength to reach up in joy so that we can be drenched in
your love. That we may offer water from the well of our love for you to all those we meet each
day. Amen.
(You may wish to repeat the opening song…)