I love the Baptism of Our Lord…for it provides me with the opportunity to talk to you about – what has been called “the first sacrament.”
Some think of this – as just a “liturgical thing.”
I see it as being “SO MUCH MORE.”
It is an “important celebration of the entire church.”
Sure the angels “sang” at Bethlehem, but “God’s voice” spoke at the river.
It was at the river, after having “come up” – “out of the water” – that Jesus was claimed by “someone special” and was called to do “something special.”
To my way of thinking – “the voice” trumps “the singing” every time.
We are claimed in baptism…just as Jesus was claimed in baptism. God sends unearned, unconditional love and grace – our way in abundance.
“This is MY beloved child.” There is a sense of possession here (not in a negative sense,) there is relationship – but not ownership! WE belong together.
You are chosen not by merit, but by mercy and love.
That is the great thing about infant baptism…you haven’t even done anything yet. You haven’t spoken. You haven’t lied. You haven’t betrayed. You haven’t said, “yes” or “NO.”
You are just loved and embraced unconditionally, “as YOU are” – before you have done anything at all.
And it is not only God who accepts you, it is a whole congregation of believers, who smile, who pray for you and who offer you welcome into their midst. You become one with them…one of them.
Unearned, undeserved, exorbitant, extravagant, unwarranted, over-the-top – which is why, it is called “grace.”
I choose to be with you, in all things, in all times, in all places and in all circumstances. I choose to love you whether or not you are always loveable. I choose to love you, even if you walk away from me. I love you unconditionally. I love you forever.
And, as was the case with Jesus, so it is with each and every one of us, we are claimed by “someone special” and we are called to do “something special.”
We are called to make a difference, where we live, where we work, with all those we come into contact with…
We are called to be God’s helpers – his arms, his legs, his hands, his voice in a wounded and weary world. We are called to bring a little bit of light into the darkness of this world.
We are “claimed” and we are “called.” There are no exceptions. There are no loop-holes. No small print.
An ancient Christian catechism of the early church described baptism as being a “visible sign of God’s invisible grace.” God loves us and cares for us each-individually.
But it is what happens after the water has long since been “wiped off or dried” that is so vitally important.
And all we have to do – is to look to Jesus for our example. Look at his life look at those he was concerned about.
If we read the scriptures – we see that Jesus cared about bodies wracked with pain or bound by demonic powers. Jesus was always “the one” to touch those ones –no one else would touch.
Jesus reached out to those –no one else cared about.
We see Jesus feeding hungry people and eating with those who never – ever received an invitation.
We hear Jesus telling parables and stories about a Samaritan who stops to bandage the body of a complete stranger.
We hear about going the extra mile, turning the other cheek, praying for our enemies…loving those who do not love us in return.
We see a Jesus who lives for others and whom willingly and freely puts his life on the line for others…The examples are a plenty.
We are called by “someone special,” to do things that are “special.” Not big things, not insurmountable things, not unrealistic things…but “simple things” that show signs of loving and signs of caring…and make a difference.
We are called to make a difference…where we are. Long after the waters have dried or have been wiped away…we are to remember – that we belong to “someone special…”
And there is meaning and purpose in our lives…we are called to make a difference. We are called to “be special.” We are called to help those in need… “little things mean a lot – “little things” can make a huge difference.
The grace that has been shown to you in this life – is the grace that you are to pass on to others. Remember that you are loved…totally, unconditionally…forever.