Fr. Bob
It was the early 1970s in a small town deep in the heart of Teas. A star high school football player who has a bit of the rebel decides to grow his hair long. So, sure enough, by the end of summer his long locks are now peeking out from under his football helmet. The coach sees this and is not happy. “You get your hair cut or you’re off this team. am I clear on that?”
The young man goes home that night. He’s steamed at the coach.
He begins to complain to his dad. “Dad, coach says I’ve got to cut my hair or I’m off the team.” His dad who’s not real excited about his son’s long hair says, “You’re going to cut your hair, aren’t you?”
“I ain’t cutting my hair for nobody. And if coach makes me cut my hair, I’m quitting the team.” “You mean you’re going to give up playing football just so you can grow your hair long?” the kid snaps back. “That’s right,” His dad shakes his head and says nothing.
The next morning on the way to school the young man continues his rant.
“Dad, what’s wrong with growing my hair long? Jesus had long hair, so why can’t I?” His dad has no response. So, the kid is thinking. “Good, I’ve got him now.”
But as they near the turn for his high school his dad keeps on driving. “Dad, what are you doing? You missed the turn!” His dad says nothing but just keeps on driving. Soon they’re in the country.
Finally at eight miles out of town the dad stops the car and says to his son. “You can get out here.” The kid steps out. “But dad, I don’t get it. What’s your point?” “Well, you’re right. Jesus had long hair. But Jesus also walked everywhere. So, I thought I’d give you a chance to do a little walking yourself.” And with that the dad drives off leaving the kid standing there in the middle of nowhere.
The kid has a lot of time to think on the long hike back to town.
On the way to school he stops and gets a haircut. And then that afternoon shows up for football practice ready to play.
Yes, Jesus had long hair. And yes, Jesus walked everywhere. And yes, like us Jesus was baptized. And coming out of the water that day came a voice. “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” At our baptism it’s like God says the same to each of us. “You are my beloved son (daughter) in whom I am well pleased.”
To be like Jesus we need to first walk with Jesus. But we don’t walk that journey with Jesus alone. We walk it together with each other as the body of Christ. We call that body the church. And it all starts with baptism. Isn’t that why we’re here today, to continue the journey with Christ together? So, parents come on up. Your child’s journey of faith is about to begin. The baptismal waters are waiting for them.
