Do You Want Mustard on That?

In his letters,  St. Paul is fond of providing lists of bad things to avoid and good things to do.  He also is quite clear that our old rebellious nature died when we were baptized.  Speaking for myself, it does not always seem that way.  I think I'm just as temped to do things on the bad list as I would have been without baptism - but it's hard to know for sure.  I've been baptized a long time.  
  
When writing to the Colossians, Paul tells them that the old rules - don't do this, stay away from that - simply don't work and never did (2:20-23).  Instead, since we have been baptized into Christ's death and raised with his resurrection, we should change our mindset.  Change what we think about.  Put off the old and clothe ourselves with the new ways of Christ.  In baptism, this is symbolized by putting on a white garment.  And what does this white garment represent?  Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Forgiveness, peace and thankfulness (3:1-15).

Some years ago I asked a young boy, who had just been baptized and had on his white garment, what did it mean when the pastor told him to bring it "unstained" to the judgment seat of heaven.  He said, "Don't get mustard on it."

For reflection:  How is my white garment looking?

Let us pray.  Jesus, would you give me a visual on how my white garment is looking today?




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