By Water

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

Today is the last day of Epiphany, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. We are in a very liminal space, between one season and the other, celebrating all the blessings of this life and soon, we will be wearing ashes and not saying alleluias. Our Gospel appointed for today points to us to John, who is clear about his role in God's kingdom. He too was caught between seasons, as Jesus was coming into his ministry on earth. Today we are invited to hold the joy and the sorrow, the hopes and fears, all the very real moments, and entrust them to God, who knows our needs, always.

Loving Creator, you lead us in each season

sending snow and rain, sun and wind

making the earth turn away and to the sun

always changing and always constant.

We humans cling to old simple ways

yet you invite us to move with the seasons

to turn and examine our hearts

to turn and see you in our midst.

Help us today to rejoice in your love

help us to prepare our hearts for Lent

let our moments be filled with gratitude

as you are with us through the ages. Amen.