Midweek Musing- 7/17/2024

Last Sunday as many of you know and some of you witnessed in person or online, I had the great privilege of baptizing a kind and beautiful young lady into the faith, as she professed Jesus Christ as her savior. As she professed her faith, it was a moment of great joy and profound thanksgiving.  

Personally, the privilege to baptize anyone of any age is one of the most joyous and also humbling things I do in my ministry. Because in administering this sacrament I am reminding us all, on behalf of the entire church, that in those waters we discover our inclusion in the family of faith.  Because, as we Presbyterians describe it, the sacrament of baptism is both a sign and seal of the covenant of grace made by God through Jesus and extended to us. In baptism, we declare our belief publicly that God claims us as beloved children and members of Christ’s body, the church, washing us clean from sin as we renounce the power of evil and seek the will and way of God. 

Thus, this young person’s baptism wasn't just a personal milestone but a communal reminder of our collective calling. Just as the birth of a baby signifies God's intention for the world to continue, so too does a baptism remind us that the Church of Jesus Christ remains active and that our work in promoting the kingdom of God is not yet finished. We, as God's people, are still called to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God as we strive to love our creator and to love others. 

Baptism is a profound moment of joy, a celebration of God’s grace that has already touched our lives long before the water ever does. This joy isn't bound by age; it transcends time and circumstance, reaffirming that God's grace is ever-present. Baptism is a physical and communal reminder that God claims us, even when we may not yet understand or claim God ourselves. 

This calling and joy is beautifully illustrated in the story of a small-town church where a little girl was baptized in the presence of her 3-year-old sister. As the service unfolded, the parents were understandably nervous as the young sister began to draw attention. She waved to familiar faces and fidgeted while the pastor recited the ancient words of scripture. Her mother gave her “the look” and her dad finally put his hand on her small shoulder. For a moment she was calm and quiet. But then, as the water was splashed on the infant's head, the young sister, with eyes wide with wonder, broke free and touched her sister’s wet head. With a delighted squeal, she announced to everyone, "Her head is wet. It really happened. She's baptized!" 

This child’s innocent proclamation captures the essence of baptism. It is a vivid reminder that God's grace is tangible and present in our lives. Just as the young sister's excitement spread joy throughout the congregation, so too does baptism spread the joy of God's love and grace. It reaffirms our identity as God’s children and our mission to embody justice, kindness, and humility in our daily walk with God. 

May we each consider our own calling and our own baptism and may we live in the light of that joy, love, and grace. 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia Amen.