There is a certain richness to our Christian faith because of the symbolism that abounds within it. We find extraordinary meaning in ordinary things because they point to something deeper than what’s on the surface. For example, in both of our readings today, we see the symbol of water. Right away, we should be reminded of the waters of baptism. These waters symbolize many things, among which are death, life, and the washing away of impurities.
We often celebrate important dates like birthdays and anniversaries. But have we ever celebrated our baptism day? After all, it’s the most important day of our Christian lives. Today, let’s use this opportunity to pray with our own baptism. Re-imagine it. Wade in the water. And then ask the Lord to give the water of life once again to quench our arid souls.
—James Antonio, S.J., a Jesuit scholastic of the Oregon Province, is currently studying philosophy at St. Louis University. He lives at the Bellarmine House of Studies in St. Louis.