In the Jordan...

Bathed Clean

“So John came along, bathing others in the wilderness and announcing the washing of a changed heart for the forgiveness of wrongs. And all the country of Judea was coming out to see him, and all the people of Jerusalem too, were being bathed by him in the Jordan River, admitting their mistakes.”

Mark 1:4-5 (The Unvarnished New Testament)

Isn't it amazing what a difference a quarter turn of wording makes? Our impression of John has always been this eccentric, some would say loony, man in rags, locusts hanging from his beard, raging in the wilderness about sin and repentance. This is the same John in a different translation from the original Greek that shows him bathing his people while they admit their mistakes. I like this kinder, gentler John.

We can relate to this John—since we've all made mistakes we feel bad about. Everyone has amends to make for things we've said and done in the heat of anger, in a moment of weakness, or in response to pain or untenable conditions. We humans are just full of misdeeds. Speaking for myself, of course. If I were to list for John all my mistakes, we'd be shriveled up like prunes there in the Jordan by the end of it.

One thing to take home from this passage from today's lectionary readings is this: just as we all miss the mark and make mistakes, we are all capable of having a changed heart. Of being washed clean and forgiven. Our problem sometimes is remembering that forgiveness begins with us. We must forgive ourselves and let go before our hearts are truly clean.

                                                In the Spirit,

                                                      Jane