On the first Sunday after Epiphany, my small Anglo-Catholic congregation celebrated the Baptism of Our Lord. I held the bulky Easter candle as we reaffirmed our baptismal vows, and as I repeated these words yet again, I felt the heaviness of the call in my body. My senses were fully engaged – the feeling of the waxen symbol of resurrection in my hands and the glow of its flame warming my face, the smell of the chrism and unction oils bubbling out in the font, and the sound of the familiar vows by beloved people.
“Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God’s help.”
Then, right after mass, I saw the video of the Right Rev. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, at a vigil for Renee Good, and the baptismal vows became entirely relevant to the current moment.
We often look to our faith leaders for statements speaking out against the atrocities of this fallen world. But frequently those statements fall short of giving meaningful guidance. So, I was a little hesitant to click the link to hear yet another statement about “mourning a loss” or, worse, bloviating on how our corner of Christendom is “better.”
However, this bishop’s statement was different. He caught my attention by saying, “the time of statements…have reached a limit.” This bishop wasn’t just providing words of comfort. He was providing instruction. His instructions were linked to the Baptismal Covenant that many Episcopalians had renewed that morning.Bishop Hirschfeld was making a connection between our words and our actions, demonstrating that our Baptismal Covenant is not just words confined to a Sunday morning. As he said,“Now is no longer the time for statements but for us, with our bodies, to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.”
Now is the time for proclaiming Christ in action. Now is the time to strive for justice, not just in our words but with our bodies. Even to the point of death. The bishop continued, “I’ve asked [the clergy] to get their affairs in order.”
It is surprising that clergy have to be told to get our affairs in order when we are in a profession that often deals with death. I think about death a lot. How can I not when funerals, both of clergy and parishioners, are a regular on my calendar. I often think of my own preferences, noting songs I like, but I haven’t gotten my affairs in order. I haven’t written a will. I haven’t filed away my account passwords. We are young clergy. It isn’t surprising if we think that we have a long road of ministry and life ahead of us.
As we approach Ash Wednesday, it is a good time to consider our own mortality. A few years ago, I created a funeral planning worksheet. It is time I completed it for myself. Below, I’m sharing that worksheet with you. It’s based on Episcopal traditions but also meant to be edited for your context. I hope you find it helpful in putting your affairs in order.
As you move through these decisions and planning documents, I invite you to also reflect on your baptismal vows. Let us feel the weight of those words that call us to action. We do this work, with God’s help, to be a part of building God’s Kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven, here and now.
Resources for Legal Preparation: If you or your partner have a life insurance plan, there is a good chance you have access to an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). This benefit often includes free legal consultation for end-of-life planning and a discounted price point if you continue the relationship.
Resource for Funeral Planning: Funeral Planning Worksheet
Resource for Protest: Faithful Witness: Showing up Fully to Political Action
