First Sunday After Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord, (Year C) Jan. 7, 2007

BCP: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 89:1-29 or 89:20-29; Acts 10:34-38; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

RCL: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

If the congregation has not had a service for Epiphany Day, people may need to be reminded of the theological significance of the Epiphany. They also might need to familiarize themselves with the main theological themes of the Sundays after the Epiphany, e.g., reflection on the manifestation of Jesus, the gospel embracing the gentiles. The place to begin this theme, as well as the new year, is with the baptism of Jesus. Preachers can help the congregation consider how their baptisms bestow identity and purpose for the coming months and, in the larger picture, explore the mission of Jesus and the church.

The epiphany we focus on today comes in the baptism of Jesus at the hands of John the Baptist. According to Luke and the other synoptic gospels, Jesus’ baptism is an occasion on which God testifies to Jesus and expresses approval of him. Leaving aside the historical question of why Jesus was baptized, the profound theological answer has been that his baptism is the beginning of Jesus’ identification with sinners for their salvation. To ask why Jesus submitted to baptism, a ritual intended for sinners, is the same as asking why he submitted to the cross, a death marked for sinners. Jesus’ acceptance of baptism may be understood as his acceptance of his God-given mission, and thus it brings God’s words of approval. God was not just trying to boost his self-esteem, but to empower him for the ministry that he was about to begin, and, at the same time, reveal his love for sinners in the work of salvation which Jesus begins at the moment of his baptism. In the same way, God’s grace and forgiveness, the divine love and acceptance in each of our lives, is not ultimately about our individual psychological well-being. By our baptism with water and in the Spirit, we too are empowered for ministry.

The other readings for this Sunday hint at the universal scope of this mission of salvation. It is revealed to be for all peoples, beginning with Peter’s words in Acts 10. Elsewhere, in words echoed in Luke 3:22, God says in Isaiah 42:1, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” In Isaiah 43:5-6 we read, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” This revelation of the worldwide reach of God’s love and salvation continues a theme seen on Epiphany itself, when the Gentile Magi, visitors from afar, are privileged to be invited to see the newborn King of the Jews.

Look It Up

Note the inclusiveness and worldwide reach of the Baptismal Covenant (BCP, p. 304). If no baptisms are scheduled, consider reading or reciting this covenant aloud as an act of renewal for the new year.

Think About It

How do you express your faith through the articles of the Baptismal Covenant? How do you make the baptismal vows real in the presence of children or non-Christians?

Next Sunday

Second Sunday After Epiphany (Year C), Jan. 14, 2007

BCP: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 96 or 96:1-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

RCL: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; John 2:1-11