Jesus’ baptism opens the possibility of teaching about
baptism as the first sacrament while also addressing the new identity we
receive as baptized children of God, adopted siblings of Jesus, and people
anointed for holy work in our vocations.
When a congregation has not emphasized the importance of
baptism, it is easy for it to slip to the side as a sacrament that is nice but
not necessary or even a rite that stands as an obstacle to inclusivity. Given
the complexity of our sacramental images, teach the significance of the Holy
Spirit’s coming into an individual’s life along with the many ways baptism is
described in scripture and in the writings of early theologians––baptism as
light, drowning, rising from the dead, new birth, belonging, love from God,
acceptance, and many more.
Baptism is an essential welcome into God’s communion of
saints.
Although the majority of baptized
children tend to participate in confirmation years following their baptism, the
level of commitment to church participation varies greatly among families in
the years that separate baptism from confirmation. Perhaps a more satisfying
and faithful approach is to put greater focus and emphasis on the naming
dimension found in Jesus' baptism: You are marked by God's love. A parallel
message is found in the Isaiah lesson: “Do not fear, for … I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.” The combination of these two lessons.
. . on this occasion. . . reinforce the sense of acceptance and love from God
to us, a theme that cannot be told too often. – Carol J. Noren
Luke 3:15-17,
21-22
John the Baptizer proclaims that
this [coming] one will also bring a baptism from above, but one that will not
involve water. Rather, his will be a baptism of the Spirit and of fire—images
of cleansing and conviction of sin. Luke's text illustrates for us that this
message was clearly received, for Herod, who had been the object of more than
one of John's fiery sermons, promptly had John thrown in prison. . . .
So, the message of Christ—the “good
news” God anointed him to bring—is not only about cleansing and conviction, it
is also about peace. It is a life message that is preached through acts of
goodness and works that bring healing.
If, on this day of remembrance of
the baptism of our Lord, we are to renew our commitment to follow in the way of
Jesus, then perhaps we may renew, as well, our commitments to peace, to
goodness, and to healing, as well as to the naming of that which is wrong and hurtful
in our world. May we hear the voice saying, “You are my Beloved; with you I am
well pleased!” – John Fairless
Isaiah 43:1-7
This poem is an assurance of
Israel's redemption from exile. The passage begins and ends with the words:
created, formed, named, and called to underscore the deep special relationship
between the Holy One (vv 1, 7) and Jacob/Israel (vv 1, 4, 7). Allusion to God's
protection through water and fire identify redemption from exile as a new
exodus and new entry into Canaan (vv 2, 4). . . . The passage presumes all in
diaspora would be reassembled as witness to the glory of God who created,
formed, named, and called Israel. – Regina Boisclair
Acts 8:14-17
In the third gospel, Luke's John
the Baptist claims that the one to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit and
fire (Luke 3:16). In Acts, the sequel to Luke's gospel, the ministry of Jesus'
followers begins only after they were baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts
2:1–5). From that point on reception of the Holy Spirit becomes an integral
aspect of Christian initiation and is distinguished from baptism (Acts 2:38; 10:44).
Neither one nor the other alone suffice. . . to mark new believers. – Regina
Boisclair
God calls, gathers, names, and sends the baptized to be
peace in our weary world. May this word inspire your preaching for this Sunday
and always.
Regina Boisclair, a Roman Catholic theologian, is professor of religious studies, Alaska
Pacific University in Anchorage.
John Fairless
is senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Florida.
Carol J. Noren, a
United Methodist pastor, is the Wesley W. Nelson professor of homiletics at
North Park Theological Seminary. She served chuches as pastor in Minnesota for
twenty years.
Homily Service 40, no. 2 (2007): 23-34.
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