Priests, Prophets and People
December 4, 2011 | Patrick Preheim | John 1:19-27

John the baptizer appeared near Watrous proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin (Mk 1:4). John must have been quiet the preacher because people flocked to hear his message and accept a ritual of cleansing in Manitou Springs. I would call it “Occupy Watrous” if it weren’t such a silly image. His Worship Mayor Don Atchison was concerned by the exodus of city workers to the wilderness, so he sent out a few peon pastors to check things out. I guess he thought us less threatening than the RCMP. What we found in Watrous was of some interest.

The Baptist maintained that he was not the main attraction. We had seen these charismatic types before and invariably they try to draw people into their circle. They try to develop a following. The Baptist did have a way with words, but he clearly was pointing people in a direction other than himself. Unlike so many gifted people in this world he did not view himself as the centre of the world. This talented preacher humbled himself to something bigger than himself. It seemed to give him strength. Most curious.

And then there were the people; scads of people camping all around the resort. Some of them I recognized from connections in the city and I knew them to generally be a self-centered lot. The self-centeredness of these commoners usually manifests in two different types. There are those who are overcome and overwhelmed by past mistakes. They allow exploitive public policy and domestic bullying because they feel they are getting what they deserve. Their past mistakes are the centre of the world. Then there are the infallible. These people are never to blame and never make mistakes. At least they can’t afford to admit they make mistakes. Why? They are the centres of the universe and if the centre has a fissure it will implode on itself. The fate of their entire world rests on their perfection, so the cracks are left unnamed. With such a collection of narcissists at Manitou Springs I expected trouble. Such was not the case. The Baptizer’s prediction of a coming light seemed to break into the darkness of the people. Guilt ridden and arrogant alike were drawn to move out of their self-centredness. They entered the waters preparing themselves to receive the healing of which John spoke. They had a new center. Their newly embraced world view gave them hope. Truly remarkable.

We too, the priests, were at Manitou that day. Cynical and calculating are the words that best describe us. We were sent to Watrous out of suspicion, not out of higher ideals. And yet the spirit of the event affected us. I did not enter the waters, but I have not forgotten the honesty and integrity of that day. I am still sorting through what it might mean for me to make spiritual renewal the organizing principle of my life rather than institutional survival. If I go that route will I need to resign my position? Can I serve this new light from within my profession? Perhaps I am not alone in asking such things. Administrators and business owners, Kings and carpenters, farmers and framers are all probably asking the same question these days. May God grant light to guide our decisions. Amen.