by Pam Tinsley

After over two empty years – thanks to the pandemic – at Saturday’s Great Vigil of Easter we had the joy of gathering around the baptismal font as it was filled with water! By the Paschal candle’s light, we prayed with keen anticipation as the waters of new life in Christ flowed and were blessed. And although we’ve renewed our baptismal promises several other times since the pandemic’s inception, this renewal was clearly different. We renewed our baptismal vows with fervor, kindled by the power of the Holy Spirit.

With God’s help, we proclaimed our promises to

• continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers;
• persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord;
• proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ;
• seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself; and
• strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human
  being.

Then, as the priest showered us with holy water from the font, we were reminded: “Remember your baptism! Remember your baptism!”

We might think, for a moment, that the renewal of baptismal vows ends there. However, this renewal offers us a new beginning. After being fed and strengthened at the Lord’s table, our renewed baptismal promises prepare us to go forth into the world, dripping wet, as bearers of Christ’s light and love, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Remember YOUR baptism!