We're still in retreat. What a gift to get to just sit with Scripture for long periods each day, not having to rush to the next thing. But I'm getting ready to return to the round, looking forward to upcoming work.
Today is the Baptism of Jesus by John. It marks the moment when Jesus "finds himself" and begins his ministry. Different Gospel writers spin this differently; for some it is an affirmation of a timeless divinity, for others it is the moment when God adopts Jesus. But all agree it is the inaugural adult moment, the point where the story begins.
In 2005 my friend Fairbairn Powers preached on this Sunday. Through her powerful sermon, I finally heard deep down that I am God's beloved. I knew, too, that that was my message to the world. Not only I, but you, are God's beloved. That is the message of this day.
Go, today, and soak yourself in God's love. If you have a bathtub, take a long bath. Only a shower? Make it long. Don't worry about your hair or your dry skin. Splash water on your face. Breathe in the steam from the kettle. Take in that water. It is the water of life, of love. You, you, you - God delights in you when you rejoice and sing, and cries when you violate your own humanity and divinity.
Make God happy today. Dance and sing, say thank you for your creation and adoption. And tell someone else that they too are beloved. Rejoice!
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