The Baptism of the Lord is traditionally observed on the weekend after Epiphany. Jesus was baptized by his cousin, John, probably around 30 CE. It’s a time in which Believers remember their own commitments–or those made by others on their behalf–to accept God’s grace in growing their lives, and to reject the presence of sin. This weekend’s readings remind us that grace is sufficient for all of life, both the good and the bad.
ISAIAH 43:1-7 is a reminder to the Jews now living in exile in Babylon that God is still operative in a “strange” land. Just as YHWH has created, so YHWH continues to love and redeem the People wherever they are. Caution: this passage could be read as favoring the Zionists over the Gentiles, with music from “Exodus”! The water and the flame from v.2 could be seen as agents of purification, elements used by God for refining the dross out of our true natures.
ACTS 8:14-17 are a few obscure verses which tell how the Samaritans–the despised “tarnished” Jews–were accepted into the fold of the Baptized. Please notice that Peter and John, two “big guns” of Christianity, went THEMSELVES to show the Samaritans that the community cared! (Peter & John, the Disciples racing to see the Resurrection, were often paired by Luke: the Old and the Young, the gruff and the outspoken, EVERYone of EVERY age…)
LUKE 3:15-22 is yet another account of Jesus’ baptism, differing only slightly from Mark & Matthew. Jesus evidently identified with the persecuted and sin-sick, getting in line to receive what is now seen as a Sacrament. Please note that the dove/Holy Spirit descended upon him WHILE HE WAS PRAYING, a result(?) of the baptism. Evidently the Epiphany comes to us as we prayerfully begin the holy journey. Is it limited to special sacramental moments? By no means!
The World Council of Churches, meeting in Geneva in 1982, has written “The Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of people before, in, and after their baptism….[Baptism] marks them with a seal and implants in their hearts the first installment of their inheritance as sons and daughters of God.” Let the journey continue! “Remember your Baptism, and be glad!!”
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Join us each Tuesday to see and enjoy what pops out at us from the Scripture lessons for the upcoming weekend: at horacebrownking.com
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