The story of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan river is our story. This is why we celebrate the Feast of Jesus’ baptism. It has something to do with us, with our lives. It’s not just about Jesus but also about us. Of course, we can go into its theological significance that Jesus is baptized for us despite his sinlessness or that this gospel account proves he is the Son of God, but let’s set them aside because we don’t meditate on the gospel lesson to defend Jesus. Jesus doesn’t need our defense. He can very well take care of himself!
I would rather like us to focus on the voice from heaven: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” What Jesus hears in his baptism is what we can and should hear, not just when we were baptized but all the time. Many of us were baptized as an infant or a child that we might not vividly remember a single thing but might have some pictures in which your parents were lovingly watching you who was about to be soaked in water and oil and all your family and church members were laughing or smiling at you crying. From the perspective of the infant or child, this whole ritual definitely looks far from love. Yet, love is there in the heart of God as well as in the hearts of all those gathered in person and spirit. The baptismal rite is a sign, a symbol, or a public statement that everyone is God’s beloved. Those who are to be baptized have two roles of 1) responding to the divine love by going through the ritual themselves and 2) reminding others of God’s love that it is available for all. What this sacrament of baptism conveys is then much greater than gaining membership to church or having access to the Holy Eucharist. The message that you’re God’s beloved, that your life is precious to God, tears apart the heavens to reach down to you, us, and the world. This message can only be delivered through the Holy Spirit herself to you, us, and the world. Now, I want our spiritual exercise of contemplating the word “beloved” to be useful and practical. There are three steps: 1. Let’s break down the word into “be” and “loved.” As you’re reading this reflection, adjust your body to a comfortable posture, and sit still. As you open up your chest, your neck and head tilt down a bit. Keep your shoulders back, and have your spine straight and upright with your eyes half-closed. Then simply be. If thoughts and feelings distract you, don’t fight but interiorly say “be” as you breathe in and “loved” as you breathe out. If you become drowsy, return to the word. The word “beloved” not only becomes your anchor to be in love with the triune God but also helps to create a sacred time and space in you that brings you to the Jordan River. 2. The phrase said in our baptismal rite, “You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever” means you’re God’s beloved forever. In a way you’re embodying the sacred word, “beloved.” Whenever you become judgmental of yourself, say to yourself the word “beloved” or “I’m beloved” silently or aloud. “Beloved” becomes your formula or mantra that stops you from attacking yourself. It’s an anchor that grounds you in God’s compassion that leads to self-compassion. Say to yourself either silently or aloud, “I’m beloved.” This is another way of saying, “God loves me.” 3. This can work in situations where we become judgmental of others. As you’re about to come up with judgmental comments or even after you make a judgment of others, say to yourself, “s/he or they are God’s beloved.” This spiritual practice is not about indulging in wrong behaviors, but prioritizing the order. Mercy comes before justice. Mercy cleanses our eyes of judgment to see others through the lens of compassion and seeks justice so that wrongdoers can amend their lives. Friends in Christ, let us start this year by learning to be. Seek within your hearts the inner place where you simply are loved. In the moment of being loved, we are immersed in the love of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who is our source of love for others. Amen. |
Paul"...life up your love to that cloud [of unknowing]...let God draw your love up to that cloud...through the help of his grace, to forget every other thing." Archives
January 2025
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