Baptism

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."
Matthew 3:13-17


Today we baptized two little boys, one an infant and one about age 11. Very different experiences for each of them, and yet, as clergy and people together, we are baptized along with them. These precious children give us an opportunity to reflect on God's love in our lives. We revisit our baptism as we hear tell of the baptism of Jesus. We hear God's promise to Christ, and God's promise to all of us. "You are my beloved, in whom I am well pleased." We remember that we have been adopted into the family of God and nothing can separate us from that family.

Our Gospel story tells of Jesus' baptism by John in the River Jordan. Somehow we participate in that same baptism as we enter into that baptismal mystery, where God became flesh so that we might become children of the living God. John initially refuses to baptize Jesus, he doesn't think he is worthy. But Jesus knows he is worthy, that we are all part of the family of God and welcome at the table. As we dive deep into the water of baptism, we rise up as children of one family, one Creator and beloved, every one of us.

Today I ask God to help me take the plunge. May we believe that we have been baptized into one family and we are covered by God's love, where ever we may go. May we revel in the water, splashing life giving water everywhere so that we might know the God's loving embrace today.

The Collect

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.