Read Mark 1:9-13
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Nick and I will focus on baptism during the Lenten season, which has just begun. Each Sunday’s worship will feature a congregant’s testimony about some aspect of their baptism. Our Presbyterian Book of Order says: “Baptism is the bond of unity in Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we are made one with Christ, with one another, and with the Church of every time and place. In Christ, barriers of race, status, and gender are overcome; we are called to seek reconciliation in the Church and world, in Jesus’ name” (W-3.0402).
Today we observe Presidents’ Day. The U.S. originally celebrated Washington’s Birthday, but today’s celebration combines Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday into Presidents’ Day. The idea behind the name was to create a holiday that did not recognize a specific president, but rather celebrated the office of the presidency (https://ch.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/presidents-day-honoring-u-s-presidents-washington-lincoln/). Our nation has just experienced a transition of presidential power that, sadly, was not as peaceful as previous transitions. So, it is good as Christians to ponder the call to unity and to hope and pray for unity as a national goal.
“Baptism marks the beginning of new life in Christ. The new way of life to which God calls us is one of deep commitment, disciplined discernment, and growth in faith. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, given with and through Baptism, equip and strengthen us for the challenges of Christian faith and life” (W-3.0402).
May we ponder our special call as God’s people as we live out this challenge, as we strive for a Holy Lent in which we experience a renewal of our own baptism, and as we continue Jesus’ mission and ministry in the world. Amen.