Matthew 3:16-17
Stop.
Remember your baptism! Trace the sign of the cross on your forehead and remember that you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Listen.
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 3:16-17
Reflect.
On Sunday, the church celebrates the Baptism of our Lord. Not only do we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, but we get to remember the importance of baptism in our faith. We get an opportunity to recall the promises spoken in our baptisms, whether by us, for us, or from God. It was promised that you would continue to grow in faith just as God promised to always claim you as a beloved child. Those promises are true, now and always.
In the story of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew’s gospel, God’s voice declares that Jesus is the Son, the Beloved, and that God is well-pleased with him. In this story, it serves to tell the reader exactly what the relationship is between God and Jesus. It establishes this at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry so we can trust that Jesus is who he says he is.
However, these words are ours, too. You’re not Jesus, to be sure, but you are a child of God, you are beloved by God, and God is indeed delighted with you. If that comes as a surprise to you, just remember your baptism. That is exactly what happens in the baptismal waters. God claims you, then and forever. God promises that nothing you could possibly do would ever make God think of you as any other than God’s own beloved. Even when you mess up or fall short, God promises you grace sufficient for that day, each and every day.
On this day, any time we see a baptism, and on our own baptismal anniversaries, we remember the depth of this promise and we thank God for it.
Pray.
I thank you, God, that you have claimed and called me in my baptism. Keep me close to your promises so I can live as your beloved child. Amen.
Carry On.
Do you know your baptismal anniversary? Find it. Put it on your calendar. Let it be yet another way for you to remember your baptism and celebrate God’s love for you.