Helmsdorf is the name of the town. It was supposed to take place in Dietelskirchen, but the church there is under renovation. Hence, the nearby Helmsdorf Filialkirche, named for Stephanus, the First Martyr, hosted the baptisms. Two months ago, I had the privilege of baptizing two children there. Johanna and Alexander are the children of dear friends. I baptized Johanna’s older sister and was a close friend of her father, who died tragically at a young age. It was her father that some time ago introduced me to the father of Alexander. We first met during a football game…well, playing a football game actually…in snow and mud. It was great fun despite my being just a bit sore afterwards. At least I didn’t break any bones or get the wind knocked out of me like one guy. He couldn’t breathe momentarily and we were all in a panic. That panic passed as the guy soon stood on the sideline catching a smoke. Then, of course, we continued the game. With this in our background, Alexander’s father really wanted yours truly to baptize his second son. That Sunday afternoon was beautiful and there was a large gathering of family and friends for the children’s reception of their first sacrament. I had actually checked out the church ahead of time. I had never been inside and wanted to get a “lay of the land.” Fortunately, the church was unlocked and the sacristan was there. It had been a little while since there had been a baptism. The sacristan would set-up for the baptisms and he would be there throughout. He told me that he was a little nervous. He wanted to get everything “just right.” His nervousness peaked as I noticed the “high pulpit” in the quaint little country church. I simply had to climb it, even though it was no longer used. I ambled up the steps as the sacristan frantically urged caution. Looking down from above, I knew in that moment, that I had my baptismal homily. On Sunday afternoon, the church was full and festive. There were parents and grandparents. There were young and old. After the Gospel, all eyes were on me as I ascended the high pulpit. From above, I looked down upon all as they looked up upon me. The sacristan was even more nervous now hoping that I didn’t trip and tumble on my lengthy cassock. This is Baptism, I said, God looking down lovingly upon all of us and our looking up to Him longingly. God so loves us that He chose not to remain apart. Since we couldn’t ascend to Him, He chose to descend to us and raise our dignity to His. In Baptism, Our God comes to us. I then, very gingerly descended from the heights of the high pulpit and stood among the people. I stood in the midst of Johanna and Alexander and prepared to baptize them; transform them, and welcome them as God’s children raising their dignity that day to the Heights of Heaven. Though they can’t yet ascend the steps of the high pulpit themselves, one day they will be able. In the meantime, it is God Himself Who carries them. The day of their Baptism was simply their first step – as it was for you and for me. Now, please just be careful on the steps! I’d hate to see you tumble getting the wind knocked out of you and merely standing on the sidelines of the Heavenly Heights catching a smoke!
Peace,
Fr. Wilson