The Beloved

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15-22

We think of baptism as a ritual for infants, a sweet and tender moment in the life of the family and the church. When folks went out to be baptized by John, it was very dangerous and controversial. John was a thorn in the side of the rulers. He told the truth and offered God's love. The early church was always under threat and in danger for their lives. Baptism, if we take it seriously, is still dangerous and controversial.  Living for others, serving God and loving our neighbor always make one suspect.

Wondrous God, you spoke from heaven

calling Jesus your Son, the Beloved

knowing that his life would be a sacrifice

for the violence and sin in the whole world.

We want to be baptized but comfortable

we want to be accepted among friends

yet we called to live in truth and love

not living as selfish and violent people.

Help us to renew our vows of baptism 

turning to Jesus and away from selfishness

following him in the way of love

and honoring all people and all creation. Amen.