First Sunday after Epiphany (The Baptism of Christ)

Today we reflect on the Baptism of our Lord. In particular this causes us to reflect on our own Baptism. One thing Christians worldwide do is the Sacrament of Baptism. Some churches sprinkle, dunk, or pour water on the participant. In Baptism we are marked as Christs' own and sealed with the Holy Spirit. In the Second Reading and in the Gospel today we see such is brought on through this act. Holy Baptism is so important that when Christ was baptized the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove and he heard the words, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." During the ministry of St. Patrick he performed a Baptism in which he used his Bishop's staff and a small shallow stream to perform the Holy Sacrament. The individual he baptized started to limp when he was leaving the stream and St. Patrick thought that he must have accidentally had the staff on the man's foot instead on on the ground for balance. St. Patrick inquires as to why the man didn't say anything during the baptism. The man replies I remember you telling me about the wounds of Christ. I remember how you said Christ was pierced with nails in his hands and feet. I thought this pain was what we should feel having made the choice to be baptized. During our Baptism there are some questions that we must answer. Of course, if a baby is being baptized then this is later answered during confirmation. There are six questions posed to us at Baptism by the celebrant. Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? I do. Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? I do. Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? I do. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? I do. Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? I do. Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? I do. These questions posed are to be taken seriously. Following Christ as Lord isn't simply promised as a yes in front of a congregation. It means truly following the risen Lord in though, word, and deed. Yes, we should follow the will of God even when others will not find out about it. Yes, we should follow the will of God even if others disagree with us. Today we received Aspergence and we all reaffirmed our life in Christ. We do this as we remember that not even death itself can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our risen Redeemer and Lord. What if all Christians of every persuasion (Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Baptism, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc...) all followed the risen Lord in truth? What if we all shared the goodness of God with others? What kind of world would this be then? What state would the world be in if we truly lived out our Baptismal Covenant to seek to serve Christ in all persons. Serving Christ in ALL regardless of agreement, disagreement, or any form of judgement. The judgement seat belongs to God alone. We are to live out our life in Christ with joy and thanksgiving. Let the Holy Spirit work. If someone does something wrong the Holy Spirit will convict them of it. We should have the same compassion as Christ. May we strive to be more like our Redeemer Jesus. Amen.

***Collect:

FATHER IN HEAVEN, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

We convey our deepest sympathies to Vikki McCombie in the death of her mother, Madeline Vaught. We pray for all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed. Amen.

***Pray especially for healing for: Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Jerilyn Swann, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, 2nd Reading Acts 19:1-7, Gospel Mark 1:4-11)