A Great Procession

Consider the many metaphors for the church in the New Testament–branches flourishing on a vine, the flock of the good shepherd, citizens with the saints, and, among many others, the living body of Christ. As the Apostle Paul puts it in today’s second reading from Ephesians, God has “made [Christ] the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Let me propose yet another metaphor, one that I pray resonates with the biblical imagery and is especially appropriate on this the day Linnea, Liam, and Ash affirm the promises of their baptism. The church is a great procession all along the way of baptism, a steady stream of saints– past, present, and future– on our way together, with Christ as our constant companion.

Have you ever been part of a parade? Even if you haven’t, I’m sure you’ve seen one and can imagine what it’s like to participate. The parade winds through streets and around corners, twisting and turning as it stretches over a long distance. Although each entry travels the same route as all the others, those who pass by first are not likely to meet or even catch a glimpse of those who come after. Members of the procession are familiar with only those nearby, those with whom they share an affinity or affiliation, whatever it is that drew them to join the parade in the first place.

Some walk, some ride animals, some wave from the windows of cars. Some play music, others dance, still others toss candy to children on the curb. Marching bands and car clubs and politicians and performing arts groups– come one and all! And despite their differences, all the entries in the parade are bound by a shared purpose– to move together in the same direction, and finally to reach the same destination.

Think of the church that way. Imagine your place in this great procession, wading through the baptismal stream and splashing a friend or two as you move steadily along. Many have gone before you; some you’ve had the privilege of knowing, but most are much farther ahead and out of sight. Likewise many will pass by after you, people you can only imagine, yet who are fellow saints and kindred spirits, too. The participants in this parade are as diverse as can be– from different times and places, singing songs in different languages and styles, bearing different gifts– yet we all travel the same watery path.

And here you are, at this point on the journey, together with the people who are blessed to share this time, this community, this life with you. Confirmands, when you first arrived your parents and sponsors ushered you into the baptismal procession, carrying you in their arms until now. Today, as they gently set you down, you’ll begin to move under your own power. You’ll never be alone, of course; your people will continue to go with you. But from now on, you’ll have a little more freedom and responsibility. So, feel the baptismal water rushing around your ankles, the river of life that sweeps you along. Look up and around, and take note of the landscape. Notice the challenges we face in our life together, set your sights on where God is leading us, and keep in mind the gifts you have to offer.

Most of all, trust that Christ goes ahead of and beside you always. “If I go and prepare a place for you,” Jesus says, “I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”[1] If we travel the same path with Christ and all the saints, in other words, we also anticipate reaching the same destination. We can’t see it yet, but it’s up ahead, that place where the parade ends– where all hungers are satisfied and all weeping turns to laughter. In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with love and patience and generosity.

Friends, this All Saints Sunday cling to the “assurance that baptism’s promise… will travel every distance,” to borrow the words of Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson, which is to say that “life has a firm grip on you…. It is more than enough. And so are you.”[2]

[1] John 14:3.

[2] Speak It Plain, 121.