Very few words this week; I’m beginning a DMin program at Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC, and have once again entered this strange landscape of mental (and spiritual) exploration. A landscape that includes the trashy dorm room I’ve been assigned — and a roommate who must be the son of Oscar Madison. What a delight!
This Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, when we will reaffirm our baptism and baptismal covenant.
Is it possible that we understand the mystery of our baptism — the spiritual cleansing represented therein — only as we know the dirt of our human life — fully experience it? As James Baldwin asserts, we worship not an alabaster Christ, but one acquainted with “the stink of love.”
Homework for anyone wishing to have it (or if there are those reading these words wanting a five minute exercise in procrastination) – your assignment: watch this clip from the movie The Big Kahuna. The context is clear enough: the Danny Divito and Peter Facinelli characters (the latter a born again Christian) are salemen of industrial lubricants – along with Kevin Spacey (not pictured in the clip).
What is character? And how might the character of baptism be known only in realizing “the things we regret?”
Can you relate to Phil’s (Danny DeVito’s) definition of character?
See you Sunday!
Jeff
PS – if you’ve never seen the movie, The Big Kahuna is well worth the watch – invite some friends over to see it and discuss!
