According
to Fr. Bernard Haring, C.Ss.R. in his book "Priesthood Imperiled"
the Baptism of Jesus by John at the river Jordan is essential to understanding
Jesus, his mission and consequently the mission of all who follow
him. When Jesus at about the age of 30 felt the call of the Father
to become active as the chosen one he went to John the Baptist for
baptism. Looking around him at that time Jesus saw a culture steeped
in sin. This was expressed in egotism shown in the pursuit of power,
possessions and prestige. The only person he found who seemed to see
through this culture was John the Baptist. He proclaimed a message
of powerlessness, simplicity and humility.
John
knew exactly who he was and did not seem to need to be anything more
or less than that. "When a feeling of expectance began to grow
among the people who were beginning to think that John may be the
Christ, he declared openly before them all. 'I baptise you with water,
but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and
I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals.'" In another place
he said, "I must decrease and HE must increase." "I
am not the Messiah but I have come to prepare the way for him."
From this secure self-identity he could say who he was, send his followers
to go with Christ, and tell others what they should be.
In
lining up for baptism by John like a sinner, Jesus set aside all exemption
for himself. He also lined up with someone who would be martyred for
his convictions. Jesus would also die for his convictions. This was
a commitment to a nonviolent struggle that would win salvation for
all. While this commitment was horrific it also had its consolation.
The
Jordan scene was also one in which the threefold presence of God was
manifested. The Spirit was seen in the form of a dove and the Son
was affirmed by the Father. A voice was heard from heaven saying,
"This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." The
human Jesus needed this affirmation. God so loved the world that he
sent his only begotten son. This son would, however, reverse the conventional
way of doing things. Instead of using power to destroy his enemies,
he would become powerless like John and allow his enemies to apparently
destroy him.
In the first three centuries of the Church baptism, and much more
ordination to a leadership role, was a very serious commitment. Leadership
in the Church was an almost certain passport to martyrdom in the tradition
of John and Jesus. Christianity was inexorably set in opposition to
the values of the world and to the human leaders who espoused those
values. Christians were a thorn in the side to those authorities who
often had them cleansed from the ranks of society through cruel deaths.
In
the fourth century when Constantine was crowned Emperor by the Bishop
of Rome, drastic changes took place. While the Church was freed from
bloody persecution it soon became evident that following the Suffering
Servant would become more difficult. Priests and Bishops became friends
and partners of Kings and Princes. In the quest to promote the Church
the civil authorities built churches and bishop's palaces. They bestowed
pretentious titles like "Prince-Archbishop," "Your
Grace," "Honorary Prelate." In this way the Church
gained power and prestige but lost its prophetic freedom.
Today
we are still victims of this situation. Even in our prayer we are
often courting power, prestige or possessions for ourselves or for
our families and institutions - extensions of our selves. We need
a prayer that helps us to let go of all grasping.
Christian meditation calls us to the simplicity of saying a prayer
word for twenty to thirty minutes every morning and evening. This
is a time when we let go of all self seeking and try to be still and
present to God and his radical call. It is a renewal of the Baptism
in which we committed ourselves to Follow Jesus and the call of the
Father no matter what the cost. This may not bring human approval
but it brings us to an integrating inner peace.
