Four weeks till Lent

At 10am this Sunday (13th February) we reach the 4th Sunday before Lent. In this month's Parish Magazine, Fr Raymond turns his thoughts towards this season:

Clement of Alexandria had paved the way not only by emphasising the relevance of Greek philosophy for Christian thought but by reminding the Church of the creators delight in the beauty of the world for its own sake. For Christian artists the task was to maintain the heavenly vision while making use of the forms that pagan civilisation provided, seeking all the while to revitalise them. The wealth and technical resources of the Empire were now at their disposal as a result of their new status. Classical art must be ‘baptised’ into Christianity.

I have been reminded of these thoughts whilst contemplating the magnificent painting in the National Gallery ‘The Baptism of Christ’ by Piero Della Francesca (1410-92). This emotive work is born from the Classical understanding of figures and composition. It presents Christ accepting the baptism of John, friend and colleague, for the work he is about to assume. At baptism he receives the approval of God through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

This theophany of the Jordan experience marks the beginning of Jesus public ministry as he is pushed forward into a time of trial and contemplation. It is to this period in Churches liturgical calendar, Lent, that our thoughts are beginning to turn. A time of reflection and inner searching as we too need to consider our life’s vocation. Baptism is the mere beginning of our Christian life and one of the two sacraments of our Church.

The baptism of water to which Christ submitted himself too is essential in our understanding of death and resurrection. A symbol of New Life. Whist we are demonstrating our allegiance to him through the ‘waters of baptism’, it is in essence a sign of God’s love for us.

I invite you to reflect on your own baptism as you too approach with me the journey through Lent and Passiontide.