"The baptism of Jesus initiated his public ministry, which led him to the cross. For individual Christians, baptism is our call to the community of the church, which often provides us with crosses of our own to bear. Yet it is together, as church, that we are meant to peace in a cruel and violent world and bring a message of hope in the face of despair. Whatever the worldly powers may be -- Roman rulers or contemporary dictators, corrupt lobbyists, arms traders and war profiteers -- Christians are called to witness to another, greater power. Our baptisms mark us for this purpose."

-- Kathleen Norris