We baptized Wesley on Mother’s Day. A grandchild of the congregation, Wesley was welcomed into the community, but also invited into the work we share: “Bearing God’s creating and redeeming word to all the world.”
Funny word, bearing. Maybe even a little bit archaic…. Its derivation goes back to ancient languages in Northern Europe, all of those linguistic roots denoting work. When you bear something, you work. You carry it, you endure it, you transfer something to a new place, you parade something. Even with the “enduring” idea, what you bear is worth the effort. This is not futile thrashing-about, with no hope for eventually positive outcomes. Instead, bearing and bearers work toward getting some great good in place, some hoped-for change to happen, some part of God’s creating and redeeming will accomplished.
We invited little Wesley into that work—his parents and sponsors answering on his behalf, a promise he will confirm later in his life. Wesley is now part of our community of bearers—carriers of something precious—and soon enough he will join us in what is sacred work. We carry the Word and words of God—soaring, amazing and life-giving words—to the world around us. Each of us has our own way, our own style of bearing. Each of us can think of this work as a holy calling. As lifework. This is personal work, too, because our carrying brings us face-to-face with others who want and need those words. Those who need this God, this Jesus, this grace and love.
So, welcome to Wesley (and his parents). We look forward to word-bearing with you.
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