This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
--1 John 5:16
Some scholars see references to the Sacraments in today's short reading. Water references Holy Baptism. Blood refers to the Lord's Supper.
Speaking of the Sacraments, are they front and center or only on the periphery of a congregation's life? I have often wanted to conduct a little experiment with the Lord's Supper. Instead of noting in a church bulletin when it will next be celebrated, don't mention it at all. When the regular time comes for the Lord's Supper, don't conduct it. Then see how long that works before someone asks why.
Realistically, I wouldn't employ such an experiment at all. But if it were tried, I suspect that the first person who notices its absence is one who simultaneously rejoices in the Sacrament's significance.
At the cross and empty tomb of Jesus, the gifts of our forgiveness and salvation were won. But they are distributed to us in the Sacraments. Since this is the case, the periphery is not the place for these wonderful mandates/gifts of the Lord to reside. If the Sacraments are not front and center in your congregation's life, ask your pastors why.
PD
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