Sunday, April 26, 2010

Today's journey began with at the headwaters of the river Jordan, Banias Falls. A short hike through the woods led us from visible wilderness into a tree splendored haven of rushing water. Sparkling, rushing, granting cool spray, the river also gave a reminder of baptism to all of us who ventured. The sound of the current rushing over bolders remindes us of the praises that creation joyfully lifts to its Creator. And, the signs that warned against the dangers of entering the water reminded that what is life giving can also be risk to life.

The Jordan River. The waters of this river have nurtured the people of God for centuries and provided what it meant to "fulfill righteousness" as our Lord received baptism from John the Baptist.

From the headwaters we traveled in the region of Ceasarea Philippi to an ancient pagan religious sight called Banias. A remarkable ruins of a Roman temple site, Banias was the religious gathering site for the worshippiers of the Roman god Pan. A remarkable system of ducts and resevoirs create a beautiful scene as well as a deep history of sacrifice to the gods. We were told that when the blood of the sacrifice appeared in the water system it was an indication that the god was not pleased with the sacrifice, a disappointment to the worshipper who had hoped that the gift would secure the god's benevolence.

Banias is the location where the early Christian community identified Peter's confession of Jesus. Here among his culture's competition for religious loyality, our Lord asked of Peter? "Who do you say that I am?" Among the stone statues and rituals, Peter's words continue to echo the proclamation: "You are the Christ, son of the living God."

Here at Banias we were moved by a service of the renewal of baptism. One by one we drew from the water enough for the symbol of the cross on our fellow pilgrim's forehead saying "You are beloved of God, remember you baptism and be thankful!" Our service concluded with the following prayer:

I am no longer my own, but Yours.

Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for You or brought low for You.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to Your pleasure nd disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

You are mine, and I am Yours. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.