washing hands

I think it was Martin Luther who said that “every time we wash we should remember our baptism.”
It is a great image and reminder.

The water of baptism is so important to the symbol of new life, of rebirth, reminding us that it is by God’s grace, and all that Jesus accomplished on the cross and in the resurrection, that we are dead to our old lives and raised with Christ to a whole new way to live. 

It is a good thing to be reminded of this as regularly as we wash.

I have been thinking about this during these COVID-19 weeks.
How many times are we told these days to wash our hands?
The washing is vital for our health and for the well being of society.
Every time I do this act, I remember that I am a follower of Jesus and what that should mean to my COVID-19 living.

Back in March, I told us that we were in a COVID-19 marathon, not a sprint. Well, it’s more like an ultra-marathon or a triathlon or even a decathlon.
We are six months in.
Weariness is real. 

One of the dangers we face as a Province, a City, as OCC, and as individuals, is becoming blasé.
It is so easy to want to reach out and shake someone’s hand, or give them a hug.
But, no! Stay alert!
If we slack off in our alertness there are consequences. 

Another lockdown will not only be frustrating, but also add to mental health issues, put our hospitals and health care system under even more pressure, and have a huge impact on our economy. And we have no idea what that will do to education, job prospects, health care and pensions.

We need to make a conscious decision to remain committed.
A ritual to continually bring us back to our senses. 

And even worse than becoming blasé around COVID-19 protocols, is becoming blasé about our walk with Jesus. I see and hear more and more Christians focusing on political issues and COVID-19 theories and ignoring connecting with others in the family of God and spending time in God's presence.

Remembering our baptism every time we wash our hands reminds us of whose we are and that we are called to love our neighbours, serve the homeless, hungry and thirsty, deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus in every action.