Readings for Easter Vigil:
Exodus 14:10-15, 20-21; Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21, 9:4b-6; Ezekiel 36:24-38
March 22, 2008
The Rev. Karen Faye Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino, CA
I don’t know about you, but I have always been fascinated by tattoos. When I was a little girl, I was intrigued by all of the tattoos on my uncle’s arms. He was a character (to say the least) and while serving in the Merchant Marines, he had tattoos placed on his arms: four to be exact. He had tattoos on each of his forearms and each of his upper arms. I can’t remember the exact designs of his tattoos but I think they included an anchor, a mermaid, a heart, and some kind of lettering. Maybe the letters indicated the name of one of his girlfriends. I was determined that when I grew up, I would get tattoos just like my uncle engraved on both arms. While I was waiting for my time of freedom, I plastered my arms with temporary tattoos; you know the ones that came wrapped in packages of bubble gum.
Well fortunately, I outgrew my desire to engrave my arms with mermaids, anchors, and hearts, (although I have to admit, I was tempted a few times to get a four leaf clover or an Episcopal Shield engraved on my upper shoulder). But being a nurse, I was very conscious of transmitted diseases, and so I resisted the urge. Many people however have not resisted the urge. Some people have cute tattoos here and there which cause little problem except that it excludes them from ever getting a job with the CIA. Others, in moments of great passion and exuberance, plaster their bodies with all sorts of signs and symbols. This proves more problematic, especially when their skin gets old and begins to sag or they enter into the mainstream of life.
But over time, all tattoos fade, and the images lose their vibrancy and color. In order to restore the tattoo to its original state, periodic rework must be done. Some people get tired of their tattoos or they have found a new girl friend and the words are out of date. In these cases, they seek to have their tattoos erased using new laser techniques or skin regeneration.
Tonight, we are going to put an indelible marking on Lan Tong and Brittany Prock as we mark them as “Christ’s own forever.” This mark can never be erased although it can loose its vibrancy and color if they do not take their baptismal vows seriously. No, we won’t be using a sharp instrument nor will we deposit colored ink into their skin. In fact, they will be able to join the CIA if they are so moved.
The indelible mark that will be made on their foreheads is the sign of the cross, imprinted with holy oil that has been blessed by the bishop. Marking a candidate with oil is an external sign of baptism along with water and prayers. But there is also an invisible sign that happens in baptism. In baptism we receive an inward and spiritual grace that unites us with Christ. We are born into God’s family-the Church. We receive forgiveness of sins and are offered a new life in the Holy Spirit. This is a privilege, an honor, and a responsibility of tremendous proportions.
The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble, more permanent than any tattoo that can be engraved on your skin. And even though the sign of the cross (imprinted with oil) will eventually dissipate, you will still be marked as Christ’s own forever. This means that as far as God is concerned, you will always be God’s child. There is nothing you can do to dissolve this bond.
However, you can decide whether or not you are going to live your life as a Christian. You can live as a child of God or you can ignore your true identity. Living as a child of God does not come easy. You will be tempted in many ways to embrace the ways of the world. You will be tempted to place yourself at the center of the universe rather than God. You will be tempted to allow fear to overshadow love, to allow hurt to stop you from forgiving, to allow loss and disappointment to send you into despair. But as these temptations enter into your life, I want you to remember three things:
1. You have been marked as Christ’s own forever. As a result, grace is available to you at all times. You do not have to rely on your ego strength alone. There is a power, an energy, a force of love that you can rely on to give you insight and strength. This grace can be accessed through an open heart, through prayer, and through a commitment to follow Jesus as the way, truth, and life. So don’t forget about grace. Relying on God’s grace is what differentiates Christians from people of other faiths.
2. You are being baptized into a community of faith. This means that you do not have to walk this walk alone. Look around this church and see all those who have come to support you in your life in Christ. Call on them in times of need and in times of celebration. When you share your sorrows, you cut the pain in half. When you share your joys, you double the pleasure.
3. Finally, when you go off track, know that God still loves you. God’s grace is available to all who fall into sin but who repent and return to the Lord. So if you find yourself having caused hurt and alienation, make restitution when possible and turn once again toward the light. Remember, who you are!
So as you receive the mark of Christ on your forehead, keep it vibrant and visible. Don’t try to hide your identity by embracing the ways of the world, but rather proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. Don’t try to cover up this mark by focusing on yourself alone. Instead be an agent of transformation by striving for justice and peace and respecting the dignity of every human being. Remember to seek and serve Christ in all persons loving your neighbor as yourself. You have been marked as Christ’s own forever. Now live it!
| Updated March 25, 2008 |
|