On A Cold Day in Brooklyn 67 Years Ago

Field Notes From a Religion-Less Christian

On A Cold Day in Brooklyn 67 Years Ago

 January 12, 2023

I was baptized 67 years ago today at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, New York. It was a  winter day and the water was cold and uncomfortable and I, one month old, cried with irritation.

God showed up and has been bothering me ever since, questioning my answers, challenging my assumptions, condemning my prejudices and bigotries, disturbing my complacencies, stretching my boundaries, breaking apart my definitions, and undermining and destroying my uprisings. And then in and with all of this, enlivening me, redefining me, healing me, comforting me…..redefining my identity, embracing my loss, cheering my projects, encouraging my dreams, opening my future.

I don’t pretend to know who God is, but on that day 67 years ago I was introduced to a Palestinian mystic and prophet named Jesus. I don’t even know his last name and when I’ve asked he tells me it’s not important. He says that what’s important is what is happening to me because of what he says and does, how my relationships and responsibilities with others and with the earth, air, water and the other living things have changed: how my wellbeing depends on their wellbeing and their wellbeing depends on my wellbeing.

It’s been an interesting life. I’m thankful my mother and father made sure I was there that day in Brooklyn on 4th Avenue.  I look forward to more.