My Beloved

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 fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

Today our daughter Emily and a valiant group of swimmers will swim across the Hudson. They swim to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, who work to eradicate blood cancers. This will be their last swim since construction on the Tappan Zee Bridge has made the swim quite dangerous. But they go down to the water none the less, trusting that their love and selflessness for others will bring new life. They go down to the water knowing that love will get them to the other side.

Jesus came down to the water to be baptized by his cousin John. John wanted instead to be baptized by Jesus. The love that each man had for the other was demonstrated in their humility and their obedience to God. They knew that their lives would be tested and challenged, and that the world would never understand why they offered themselves. God knew and declared his love in this moment, clearly, for all to hear. God came down to the water to bring love and courage. And God continues to come to our deep and dangerous places to offer love and courage in our most challenging hours.

Today I ask God to help me do what needs to be done trusting that I am surrounded by divine love and support. May we all embark on the challenges of the day, trusting that God is with us, supporting, loving and encouraging us in every moment. May we set fear aside and go where we are called, knowing God goes with us all.