35,000 feet below the earth's surface molten lava and water mix together infusing the water with: sodium, sulfate, chloride, silica, potassium, calcium, fluoride, magnesium and trace elements of lithium. By the time this water reaches the surface it cools down to 104 to 126ºF. Soaking at Hot Sulfur Springs in Colorado is one of the most refreshing, rejuvinating, and relaxing things I did on my vacation.

Similarly, the water of baptism is infused with the knowledge of God's love for us in Jesus Christ. Through our baptism we are refreshed, reborn, and readied to live into God's plan for our lives. While not everybody can make it to Hot Sulfur Springs, we can all let go of the stresses of this world in our baptismal waters. For this and every blessing, thanks be to God.

Peace of Christ Always,

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, July 29, 2012, the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

• First Reading 2 Samuel 11:1-15
• Psalm Psalm 14
• Second Reading Ephesians 3:14-21
• Gospel John 6:1-21