- Dec 16, 2017
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Ancient Israel was no different, and even modern Israel has had to get clever. But let's forget for a moment about our own modern sensibilities- baptism was probably done with less-than-edible water (yes, the water in my parish's fonts is safe to drink- but you shouldn't). Why do you think the ancient Israelites mixed their water with wine? It wasn't to keep them from getting drunk- the water wasn't particularly safe to drink without it.Its a symbolic gen
It's a symbolic action and any garden hose will do in a pinch.
Many parts of the world are very short of clean water.
I'd hate to sprinkle drinkable water on somebody's head if in short supply.
Regardless of its cleanliness, water was an important resource. I don't think we can leave ourselves the possibility that baptism is only symbolic when such an important, limited resource is called for in the sacrament.
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