one whom you do not know

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

1 John 2:22-28 Psalm 98:1-4 John 1:19-28

John 1:26  John answered them, "I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know,

I think that this passage gives a clear indication that Christian baptism is more than just symbolic.  John only baptized with water, but there is one among us who is more than that.  He is divinity.  John isn't the Christ, nor the others that they asked him about, and his baptism was only with water, but baptism in Christ is beyond what anybody can claim.  It is then sacramental.  It is a mystery, the mystery entrance into the Kingdom of God.  It is by Christ, not by man, yet it still requires the water of baptism.  

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to respect and honor the sacraments.  Not the men and women who perform them, but Jesus the one who blesses them.

Amen