Of Sieges and Baptisms: Christians in America Today

This morning, four days after the violent and deadly siege of The United States Capitol, we celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by his cousin, John the Baptist.
 
The siege was led by our fellow Americans who acted at the direction of the President of the United States. 

I prayed with this Gospel passage while the details of Wednesday’s attack unfolded in real time. 
 
The image of Jesus plunging down into the waters of the Jordan River and emerging into the light of day juxtaposed against confederate flags waving in the Rotunda of the Capitol.
 
God’s voice in the Gospel proclaiming “You Are My Beloved, With Whom I am Well Pleased” 
 
Clashing with the sounds of an angry mob.
 
The dissonance between the Gospel and the current state of our democratic life together overwhelms. 
 
What does it even mean to be a baptized Christian in America today?

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