Being called Beloved
At St James’ last summer, we were looking at extraordinary things that happened when Jesus physically walked the earth. One of the key times that we explored was Jesus’ baptism and afterwards I remember reflecting on my own Baptism as an adult.
We may or may not remember our own baptism depending on when we were baptised. However we can remember that our baptism says who we are - a Child of God. Imagine God, who made all things, who holds all things together by His mighty power, sits with you, looks directly into your eyes, and says, “I am proud of you. I see you for all that you are, for all that you have, for all that you’ve done, and for all that you ever will do. I’m so glad you’re my child. And I am proud of you.”
As far as I know, there is nothing better than knowing those words deep down inside. That we are loved and that we belong to God and that no matter what we do God won’t love us any more or any less. No matter what happens with your relationships, your work; no matter how many mistakes you’ve made, how much you’ve done that you aren’t proud of, how much you wish you could change. No matter how much you achieve, how many things you have, how much influence you exert, when all is said and done, you can’t improve on the very idea that God loves you and welcomes you into His family.
In our own baptism, we make promises (or our Godparents do) to serve God and God’s world with love and justice. We promise to resist temptations and the darkness of this world. This is not an easy road to walk. Immediately after Jesus’s baptism, he is led into the wilderness and faces temptation. (We consider this during our Ash Wednesday service - details below.)
Our own journey of faith can be tough as we too face temptations and times in the wilderness of life. As we seek to establish God’s justice and peace on earth, we will battle the demons of hatred, racism, sexism, ignorance, oppression, all of which seem to gathering more steam every time we open our newspapers. But Jesus promises that he will never leave us or abandon us. So let’s hold onto God’s words that were said over Jesus as he was baptised and God says over us, “You are my beloved child” as we walk our faith journey and seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly through the ups and downs of life.
Blessings,
Rev Vikki
Ash Wednesday Service on March 5th at 7pm at St James Church. All welcome.