First Reading:  Exodus 14:15-15:1

The Parting of the Red Sea

Cecil B. DeMille and the animators at Dreamworks SKG have something in common. The special effects for the parting of the Red Sea established both technical and economic high points for their day. Despite the cost and effort, this scene as depicted in both “The Ten Commandments” and “The Prince of Egypt” is still breathe taking.

Like the narrative of Abraham and Isaac, Christians view the parting of the Red Sea as an archtype. Just as the Israelites walked through the midst of the water toward their salvation, we, too, journey through the waters of baptism toward our freedom. And, just as evil (symbolized by the army of the Pharaoh) was crushed in the rushing waters, so too, our sins are washed away in Baptism. Just as God formed a new people out of the experience, we, too, are formed into his new people, the Body of Christ.

Notice, two constants in the story: the power of water and the power of God over water. Water still has the power to give and take life, to cleanse and refresh. But, God forms this power to his own ends. The mighty breathe of God (his Spirit) swept over the waters and divided them to create the cosmos in Genesis. Then, his breathe swept over the Red Sea to create a new relationship with his people. Now, in Baptism, he breathes his Spirit across the water, so it may enter us and incorporate us in Christ.

Baptism obviously does not have the “FX wow-factor” that the parting of the Red Sea had. But it does not mean that it lacks the power that this narrative had. Through the waters of Baptism, God breathed across each one of us and made us his own.

So, the next time you replay the scene from either movie, put yourself in movie. Relive the danger and the rush of freedom. Remember, as God did for the Israelites, he did for you.

Reflect on your baptism. When you renew your baptismal promises on the Easter Vigil, relive the moment of the water that rushed over you.