Baptism of Christ

A picturesque setting in Gate of Heaven Cemetery is the Baptism of Christ. Two beautiful columbaria containing 140 niches wind along a brick walkway, with a fountain spray as its back drop. The overhead granite pergola draws one’s eye to the center overlooking the pond and where a bronze statuary depiction will soon stand of Christ being baptized by John. Gazing on its beauty may lead to pondering our own Baptism, that which is central to who we are called to be in Christ. The baptized are one in Christ, united together in the waters of re-birth, called to live the common mission of His life, death, and resurrection.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying,
“I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply,
“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Matthew 3:13-15

(The installation of the bronze statue of the Baptism of Christ, by artist Timothy P. Schmalz is coming soon!)