Baptism of our Lord Sunday
Mack was baptized nearly ten years ago; for Liza, it has been nine. In each place where we were serving at the time, the Church marked their baptisms with gifts; tangible signs of a promise made.
At St. Paul’s in Columbus, Mississippi, the congregation presented a banner that read, “Mack is a beloved child of God.” At the Church of the Mediator in Meridian, Mississippi, the parish knit a blanket for Liza, meant to keep her warm in those early days. Our children were only weeks old when they were baptized, yet through these gifts and their words, those communities boldly proclaimed their commitment to support Mack and Liza in their life with Christ.
This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. A day when we remember Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River and the voice from heaven proclaiming him the beloved Son of God. On this feast day, we often celebrate baptisms of our own, rejoicing that we, too, are named and claimed as God’s beloved children. It is a remarkable declaration: that the God who created heaven and earth looks upon us and calls us family
Yet baptism carries us even further. In that sacrament, the congregation makes a pledge to support the newly baptized as they grow in faith, to teach them the ways of Jesus, and to walk alongside them in love and prayer.
This Sunday, we will welcome Marlise Shepherd into the waters of grace. In that holy moment, the church will recognize and proclaim her identity as an accepted child of God, and we will take up the sacred responsibility of helping raise her to know God’s love and reflect Christ’s light.
Like the generosity once shown to my children, Marlise will receive gifts from the faithful members of our parish. A framed needlepoint crafted by Anne Yarmis to commemorate the day of her new birth; A palm cross-hand whittled by John Harding; and a white baby blanket lovingly knitted by our parish knitters.
May this needlepoint always remind Marlise that she belongs of God. May this palm cross give her strength when she feels weak. May this blanket wrap her with the warmth of this community whenever she feels alone. And may the Church faithfully support her walk with Christ all the days of her life.