Daily Devotion
Scripture of the Day
You are my beloved child with whom I am well-pleased. (
Luke 3:22)
Reflection
These words spoken to Jesus by the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove) at the moment of his baptism are the same words spoken to each person at the moment of theirs. Baptism is, as the liturgy says, the “outward and visible signs of the indwelling grace of God.” The promise is threefold: I am loved; I am chosen; I am a delight to God. If Micah 6:8 — justice, kindness, and humility — is to be our way of doing, Luke 3:22 is to be our way of being. I have not always been convinced of my inherent worth, nor persuaded the same blessing given to Jesus can belong to me. Then again, God didn’t ask me! I am loved and lovable whether I like it or not. And, if that’s the case, then, it’s probably the case for my neighbor, too. And my enemy.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, descend upon me in the form of a dove — or a dog or a raccoon or a squirrel or a spider or a leaf or a raindrop — and speak these words to my heart. May the water of my baptism soak my soul with the knowledge of your love and the conviction of my worth. Amen.