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A look at the appointed gospel from the Revised Common Lectionary for January 12, 2020 - The Baptism of Our Lord.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, 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 it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
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My Two Cents….
Do you recall the day when you were baptized? I don’t and I’m guessing that if you grew up in a church that practices infant baptism that you didn’t either.
When it comes to baptism the Christian church is divided among those who baptize at any age (which includes a wide spectrum of traditions from Roman Catholic to Lutheran to Episcopalian to Presbyterian to Methodist, etc.) and those who only baptize adults who can make a statement of faith prior (which include the Baptists, and so-called non-denominational (which are really closet Baptists)). The difference between these two groups hinges upon whether baptism is primarily an act of God or humanity. Do we choose to be baptized or is it a gift that is bestowed on us? In both traditions faith brings folks to the waters of baptism and through the water the Holy Spirit works to bring them into the community of Christians.
Back to my memory. I said that I don’t recall my baptism. It happened on March 14, 1971 when I was slightly less than three months old. My mom still has the photo evidence from that day. I can see my family holding me at the wooden font in the back of Bethany Lutheran church. Their smiles indicate that they were all happy to witness the joyous event.
It isn’t the picture that lets me know that my baptism happened. It is the constant reminders that the church has provided me over the years. Others proclaimed the word of my baptism to me. This communal word has solidified the memory of baptism into my consciousness. It has also helped to shape within me a baptismal identity.
I am a baptized child of God. Each morning that I wash my face in the waking waters, I claim that identity. Baptized. Beloved. God’s grace claims my life with unstoppable forgiveness and love. No matter what the day might bring, nothing can take away this precious connection.
The story of Jesus’s baptism, appointed for this coming Sunday (The Baptism of Our Lord), connects the life story of Jesus with everyone who has ever been baptized. No matter if you were baptized as a baby or adult - you are connected to Christ. No matter if someone carried you or you walked to the water yourself - you are part of Jesus’s life. Christians of all traditions and baptismal practices share in a united identity - the children of God.
Baptism, however, is the first - albeit important - step. Linked with the identity of being a child of God is an invitation to live out that reality. Baptism is not to be understood as a private treasure. We live it out (or don’t) each time that we interact with others. Does the love of Jesus find expression in what we say and do? Do others know of God’s grace and forgiveness through us?
This week, will you allow your baptismal identity to give shape to you words and actions? Will others know that you are connected to the life of Jesus?
Baptized child of God - remember this - you are beloved, forgiven, and invited to shine with God’s love.
In Christ's Light,
Walt
Permission granted to share today's content with family and friends. Copyrighted 2020. Walt Lichtenberger
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