Beloved

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 fulfil 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

We read today of Jesus' baptism and how he asked to be baptized by John, despite John's reluctance. We know they were cousins, and they must have spent much time together growing up. They were comfortable with each other before and now an awkwardness came over them because of their roles and where God had called them both. We all find ourselves in roles that restrict how we can be with one another, bound by rules that prevent an intimacy we once had known. And yet, both Jesus and John do as God instructed, despite their discomfort. We are invited by God to move beyond where we are stuck and go where we are called, and we too will be regarded as beloved, even amidst our awkwardness and discomfort.

Gracious Creator, you sent your servants

to teach us the challenges of discipleship

to model for us they humble way of love

and to invite us into life as your beloved ones.

We often recoil from following you

because we have to take on hard roles

we have to go places that frighten us

serving and living with strangers and enemies.

Help us to rejoice in your love which we carry

make us humble so we might lift others' burdens

make us fearless in our loving and serving

so we might be beloved in heaven and on earth. Amen.