Mark 1--Going to Water
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At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
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Baptism was Jesus’ doorway to public ministry. It marked a new direction in his life.Sometimes this gets lost in translation. John came preaching a baptism of repentance. That doesn't mean guilt and remorse. "Repent,” actually means to turn and go in a new direction. John was inviting people to leave the past behind and embrace a new future. That's radical grace.
In Cherokee tradition, every sunrise is a harbinger of that same radical grace. Every morning—every day of the year in all kinds of weather—Cherokee people plunge into the frigid mountain streams—not once, not twice, but seven times. Every time they go to water they expect it to be a life-changing experience. They leave behind all of their accomplishments and all of their failures. They face the rising sun to find radical grace for the new day.
Indians of the Pacific Northwest may have the most powerful river stories of all. They are Salmon People.
Each year the salmon lay down their lives that others might have life. But if the people treat the salmon with disrespect, then the cycle of life will be broken. The people reverently return the bones of the salmon to the river, always pointing upstream to their final destination. If they do this, then the salmon are resurrected by the Creator, and they will always return
But if we dishonor the river or her creatures, then the salmon will not return. Honor and respect keep the cycle of life in balance.
The Totem People see their relationship with the waters of life to be profoundly eucharistic. They receive life from the river, give it back again, and the sacred circle of life goes on.
Today our rivers are compromised, but they are still sacred sources of life. When he was ready for a turning point in his life, Jesus went to water. If you are ready for a turning point in your life, listen to the voice of the waters. Go to the mighty sea or a whispering brook. Take time to listen. It just might change your life.
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O Creator, your mighty rivers have been speaking since time began. Take me to the water, and let me listen until my life turns around.