Dear MWPC Members and Friends,
You have probably heard the old joke. A person complains to a partner: "You never tell me that you love me anymore." To which the partner replies: "I told you on the day we were married, didn't I? If anything changes, I will let you know."
It is all too easy to take a person for granted--whether a partner, a child, or a friend. We forget the importance of reaffirming our love or care for those closest to us or reaffirming our commitment to the relationship. Some people think it is enough to make a one time commitment, but the truth is, relationships are made stronger by mutual affirmation. "I am fortunate to have you as a friend." "If I had to choose today, I would choose you." There are many ways that we can acknowledge our continued commitment to a relationship.
This Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. It is the festival day that begins Ordinary Time in the life of the church--those days between Epiphany and Lent. On the Baptism of the Lord Sunday we always read one of the gospel accounts of the baptism of Jesus and we remember our own baptism and the way our baptism is rooted in Jesus' baptism.
Many of us cannot remember our baptism. I was born in January and baptized when I was three months old. My parents made a profession of faith on my behalf and I confirmed those promises eleven years later on Maundy Thursday. Even for those who were baptized later in life, the memory of the day may be foggy.
Each year, on the Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we have the opportunity to renew our baptismal vows as a way of reaffirming our commitment to Jesus Christ and to the path of discipleship. It is important to remember that your participation is voluntary. Before coming to the service, I encourage you to consider the questions I will ask:
Do you renounce all evil and powers in the world which defy God's righteousness and love?
I renounce them.
Will you renounce the ways of sin that separate you from the love of God?
I renounce them.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior?
I do.
Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?
I will, with God's help.
Will you continue to devote yourself to the church's teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayer?
I will, with God's help.
In baptism we are called to share in Jesus' ministry of love, justice, and reconciliation. Affirming our baptismal promises is no small matter. It is saying, at the beginning of each year, that, given the opportunity, we will make the same decision to follow Jesus.
I will look forward to seeing you on Sunday and greeting you at font and table.
Grace and peace,
