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This
past week, despite another brutal winter storm, I received two requests to
write letters of reference for people to serve as sponsors for a baptism. Not
always required, but some priests like reassurance that the baptism sponsor
understands their role is to model Christ in their own life. I wonder, who was
Jesus’ sponsor when John baptized him in the Jordon?
There
is a story that in some of the old castles in Europe, there are found deep
wells to supply the castle with water in times of a siege. A water supply that
would bring water from an outside source would be at the danger of the enemy.
So while people inside were protected from the enemy their necessity of water
was provided for in a "safe" manner. This put their minds at ease. Imagine
if someone had to go out and get water then they would have to place their own
lives in danger.
Sometimes,
we are much like the castle, in that if we depend on "outside
sources" for help we might find that the enemy has cut our help off. That
is why, like the castle, we need an inner supply of strength. In times of
trouble, difficulties, events that would make us discouraged, our help must be
in the peace that only Jesus can give.
However,
we are tempted to "try and do it myself".... like reach out instead
of reaching "in" Now, don't get me wrong, it is often important to
reach out, but not at the expense of reaching "in". Jesus, according
to His own lips, is the water of life, but He is even more. He said, "My
peace I give you, not as the world gives, but as I give." (John 14:27) And how we
need that when the world is attaching our castle.
Peek inside this ice castle that I took on New Year’s
Eve and see if in a quiet moment you can invite Jesus into your heart to help
you with something that is making a mess out of your life. Let his words of
peace inspire you with his wisdom and reassurance.
Let your heart pray these verses: “He reached
down from on high, he took me; he drew me out of mighty waters. (Psalm 18:16).
