Rector's Reflection: Venn Diagrams and Baptismal Identity

 

Sometimes we think of our faith as a very small part of who we are.

Of the overlapping circles that make us up, involvement in a church might be one – maybe the yellow circle. The red circle might be our family. The green circle might be our friends. The blue circle might be our job. The purple circle might be our hobbies and pastimes. The orange circle might be where we live.

This is not bad. We are, in many ways, a wonderful collection of countless overlapping circles that make up who we are.

Part of health, I think, spiritually and otherwise, is finding balance in these sometimes competing, overlapping parts of our identities, even with the church.

However, to be a baptized person, meaning to be a disciple of the way of Jesus, is not meant to be only a small sliver of who we are. It is meant to be more than just the yellow circle of ‘church.’

Instead of one of the overlapping circles in the Venn diagram of our lives, our baptismal identity is meant to be an overarching circle that embraces it all – like the silver circle.

In baptism, our whole selves have been dipped, drenched in the waters of new life.

It is meant to touch and transform every part of our lives. We are called to ask ourselves, what does it mean to be a baptized person, a follower of Jesus as a son or daughter, a sibling, a parent, a grandparent, a neighbour, a friend, a volunteer, at work, at rest, at leisure, when no one is watching.  

It is not always convenient.

It is not always easy.

But I believe it is worth it.

Because the way of Jesus is a beautiful way.

Thankfully, there is grace abounding as we find balance and live and explore and grow into our baptismal identity as one of God’s beloved children.   

Thankfully, we do not have to go in alone, for we have been given one another for the journey.

 

 

Thanks be to God!

 

CG+