Sunday, January 09, 2011

Baptism and JUG


Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented.
Gospel of St. Matthew 3-13-15

Jug [dʒʌg]
n
1. a vessel for holding or pouring liquids, usually having a handle and a spout or lip US equivalent pitcher
2. Austral and NZ such a vessel used as a kettle an electric jug
3. US a large vessel with a narrow mouth
4. Also called jugful the amount of liquid held by a jug
5. Brit informal a glass of alcoholic drink, esp beer
6. a slang word for jail


I spent the better part of my freshman and sophomore years at St. Augustine Seminary in Holland, Michigan ( 1966-1967) in JUG. JUG was a mandatory sentence for any and all infractions of rules, common sense, and God's Law.

I was and remain, with some modification, an incorrigible.

Father John Gavin, O.S.A. was our Principal. Father Gavin taught Civics, History and coached everything. He was a fabulous athlete.

In my sophomore year, after serving JUG. I asked Father for the etymology of the term. "It generally means 'Jail," but some folks say it means "Juveniles Under Guard." That is not entirely accurate, Master Hickey. The term for your intents and purposes means Justice Under God. Hickey, you know how you always are?"

Yes, Father.

"Don't be that way. Go, and sin much less!"


Today, marks the Baptism of Christ by his cousin John The Baptist and signals the end of the Christmas Season. Next Sunday marks the beginning of the Ordinary of the Catholic Liturgical Year. Nothing ordinary about that.

You know how you always are? I do. Don't be that way . . .again.

No comments: