A Poem a Sunday

Baptism of Our Lord

January 8, 2017

Matt. 3:13-17 – NRSV

Commentary:  The traditional baptismal ritual has too much of an emphasis on sin and ignores the heart of baptism:  our being launched into God's mission of compassion and justice.  We are embarked on that journey.

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”

Footnotes:

[a] Matthew 3:17 Or my beloved Son

Christening

I.  Smashing, shattered,

glass shards scatter:

a ship is launched

in the deep

in this ritualized manner.

Christened, named,

the sirens call:

“Embark on

your journey!”

Waves break at the hull.

Sailing, speedy,

precious cargo to feed

the needy

in a foreign land

is her mission, her deed.

II.  Crystal, silver,

the water trickles over

the head of an infant

held dear

by gentle arms.

Christened, named,

claimed

as God’s child

embarks on her travels,

the call of the wild.

Launched, living

the Christ-life

with thanksgiving,

boldly embarks

on life’s journey of grace.

Copyright @ A Poem a Sunday

May be used with permission

kennstorck@gmail.com