Today is the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus. We look at the ritual and the commitment that it was and that it is.
The Baptism of Jesus Mark 1:4-11 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
4 So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.” 5 From all Judea and Jerusalem crowds of people went to John. They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey. 7 John also told the people, “Someone more powerful is going to come. And I am not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” 9 About that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As soon as Jesus came out of the water, he saw the sky open and the Holy Spirit coming down to him like a dove. 11 A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.”
Prayer of Approach
Holy One, today we revisit again the story of John and Jesus. John who doggedly did his best, knowing that there was more to come. Jesus, who chose to step out in front of many to say I will live God’s way. Watch me begin now. As we enter into this story again, we plod along, doing our best, knowing there is more. we yearn for the courage to live in your way we yearn for your blessings to sit upon us. We come to learn how to be more: how to be your hope for peace and justice in the world. God of love, teach us, love us, be with us so that we all may remember that we are not alone. Amen.
Spirit in Baptism Acts 19:1-6 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
19 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled across the hill country to Ephesus, where he met some of the Lord’s followers. 2 He asked them, “When you put your faith in Jesus, were you given the Holy Spirit?” “No!” they answered. “We have never even heard of the Holy Spirit.”3 “Then why were you baptized?” Paul asked. They answered, “Because of what John taught.” 4 Paul replied, “John baptized people so that they would turn to God. But he also told them that someone else was coming, and that they should put their faith in him. Jesus is the one that John was talking about.” 5 After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then Paul placed his hands on them.
Blessing: Let us go out into the world as people on a mission. Wherever you go, consider that God is sending you there and wherever you find yourself, take a minute to wonder if God is placing you there. In every place and space may the love of God that dwells within you, bubble up from your heart overflow from your lips and pour from your hands for you are love to be loved.