I have led two Catholic pilgrimages to the Holy Land, most recently in January 2018 along with Deacon Will. One place we went was the purported site of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. In pre-pandemic times, thousands of pilgrims arrived there daily. Each time I visit, I am struck by the simplicity and the ordinariness of the place. There is the inevitable big parking lot to hold dozens of tour motor coaches. Thankfully, there are no gift or souvenir shops. However, there is a place where full length baptismal gowns can be “rented” so that a person can experience baptism in the Jordan river – at the same place where Jesus hallowed, for all times, the waters of baptism.
Each time we visited the site of Jesus’ baptism, some in our group asked if they could be baptized again in the Jordan river like so many other pilgrims. Each time I carefully explained that there is no such thing as “re-baptism.” Some are disappointed as they would find the ritual meaningful. However, the truth is such a reenacted ritual would be meaningless.
At the Jordan, we took some water from the river and either the deacon or I imparted a blessing on the water, which made it Holy Water. I then sprinkled the group with the water (as we do at the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday). This sprinkling and blessing seem so powerful because this is the water touched by Jesus! In truth, however, we must remember that the water with which all of us were baptized has likewise been touched by Jesus.
Pandemic precautions have forced us to remove the bowls of Holy Water that many expect at the entrances to the church. I fear if this persists, we are going to lose the sensory experience of our baptism. Holy Water is a reminder of baptism. This is similarly true of our making the Sign of the Cross, although this symbol is often lost on many people. There is a better way for us to continue to have the sensory experience of the grace of our baptism, however. Each time we receive Holy Communion we experience the repeatable part of that graced moment. In the Real Presence of the Risen Christ in the Eucharist, we are personally touched by Jesus – and we can receive Him every day! You don’t have to fly to Israel, rent a baptismal gown, and step into the muddy Jordan river. Just come to Mass!
Fr. Gary
