I have to write two sermons for Sunday - one for our Baptism service and one (on the same passages, cos I'm lazy) for a guest preach two hours later (on renewed commitment). So far I've done all the good minister stuff of reading commentaries, thinking and (even!) praying and am getting nowhere fast. I have some ideas, but nothing is cohering. If all else fails I'll have to blag something around my paired ideas -
- ordinary and special
- human and divine
- individual and corporate
- completion and continuation
Nothing special about the water itself - but a special moment for those involved.
A human choice (discuss!) in response to a divine command/call/invitation
An individual moment in a corporate/communal life; a communal responsibility and commitment
The completion of a stage of a journey - and the start of the next bit
Nothing original or special about these ideas but hopefully they will turn into something soon - please!
Comments
Maybe these ordinary and servicable ideas will turn into something special and significant for each occasion through the grace-giving work of the Holy Spirit.
Or maybe the grace of God is already present in them as ordinary and servicable ideas and will do God's work without the need for further transformation.
Whichever applies, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all on Sunday - and may your baptismal waters never freeze over.