Symbols of Baptism and the Human Drama
Genesis 1:1-20
Psalm 33
Exodus 14:10-15:1
Matthew 28:1-10
Tim Christoffersen
St. Anselm’s
Easter Vigil Homily
March 30, 2002
The baptism of Nicole tonight will mirror in its symbols the whole human drama of salvation; the story of creation, death and resurrection. Symbols point to or help us get in touch with a spiritual reality that our words can only approximate. Symbols can also be a source of blessing and learning for us.
There are four powerful symbols of baptism. One is water. We associate water with the creation story from Genesis. We are told the earth was formless and empty…and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. In the story of the Israelites pinned between the Red Sea and the onrushing army of Pharaoh, we have an association of both impending death and a mighty act of God leading to freedom from slavery. Water was the source of life to the Israelites in the desert when Moses struck the rock and water poured forth.
In the blessing of the baptismal water we remember the parting of the Red Sea. We are buried symbolically with Christ in the waters of baptism. Water is also the sign of new life as we pass through the waters to a new spiritual life as a child of God. For those of you who have been privileged to participate in the birth of a child, the sudden transformation from the waters of the womb, to the water breaking as the newly born child comes forth breathing air, is both a powerful symbol and an awe inspiring experience.
The oil of chrism with which Nicole will be marked as Christ’s own forever is the same symbol as the oil that was used to anoint and set apart prophets and kings chosen to do God’s work. Nicole will be anointed and marked as a child of God and a new member of the royal priesthood of all believers.
Light is a third symbol. We began this service bringing the fire to light the Paschal candle, the symbol of the light of Christ that has come into the world and in his resurrection from the dead. It is the light that cannot be overcome by darkness. The candle that will be given to Nicole symbolizes that light of Christ that has been brought into her life. It is the light that will overcome the claim of the dark powers of evil and death. It is the light of a new spiritual life.
The last symbol is community. God chose Abraham to be the father of many nations. God chose the Hebrew people and brought them out of slavery in Egypt. He chose them to be his people if they kept the covenant with Him. Nicole has several communities. Her godparents and parents and those other family members are the core of a family community who are here tonight and who commit to raise her and nurture her faith in Christ. She is also part of our community of the faithful gathered here tonight who will reaffirm our own baptismal vows and commit to do what we can to nourish and support Nicole and others on their journey of faith.
We will hear the phrase "Do not be afraid" at least three times tonight. Moses spoke it to the Hebrew people as they were trapped between the Red Sea and the army of Pharaoh. The angel of the Lord spoke it to the women at the empty tomb. And the resurrected Jesus spoke it to the women immediately after his resurrection and told them to go tell the others he would see them in Galilee.
It also applies to us tonight. Our hearts are full with a great mystery. Jesus’ resurrection is a challenge to us to have the courage to love and to live our lives with a full heart. God’s words through the prophet Ezekiel are reassuring. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh…you will be my people, and I will be your God."
Alleluia. Christ is risen!
