The Jordan effect

With most of its length acting today as the border between Israel and its neighbours Syria and Jordan, the River Jordan has tremendous symbolic significance. A very practical one too, as it is the water lifeline for the three countries.

Politics and country names might have been different in the time of Jesus, but there's little doubt that the river had just as much symbolism then. Which probably accounts for a guy named John, 'The Baptist', using it to wash people clean of their past sins and inducting them into a new life of promise.

As Fr Murphy noted during today's visit to a managed baptismal site at Yardenit, Jesus had to search for 'the meaning of life' just like the rest of us. "It wasn't handed to him on a plate," he said. "He had to struggle, to deal with temptations, while trying to find what he had to do."

Presenting himself to John to be baptised was the indication that he was about to do so. It was the turning point, the beginning of his short three years of ministry among the most oppressed people of his time.

"He went to Jerusalem as part of this," Fr Murphy added, "and because of what he was about, he came to a bad end."

The baptismal point on this trip is about a hundred kilometres north of where that actual baptism of Jesus probably took place. But subsequent to Christ's death there were many such places where the disciples symbolically brought new followers into the new religion.

This morning, as probably every morning, there were coachloads of people from all over the world visiting this particular place on their journey through 'The Fifth Gospel' -- the name given to the land on which the life and times of Jesus is based.

Some dipped their toes in the water, which didn't look too clean. Others paddled. One woman totally immersed herself.

Our group simply renewed the promises made on our behalf at our own baptisms, and went on our way.

In the ubiquitous gift shop on the way out, the equally ever present commercialism was reflected in the sign that said: 'Baptism kits for rent - $9'.

But I suppose they gave offerings to John too. The man had to live, after all.

Reported from Galilee by the Accidental Pilgrim.