for January 11, 2015, 1st Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, Readings: Genesis: 1-5, Ps 29,
Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11
Baptism, for some a rite of initiation and adoption into the Christian faith, for others a sacrament of the Christian Church, required by some, deemed unimportant by others. Whether by aspersion (sprinkling), affusion (pouring), immersion (total or partial, standing or kneeling, or submersion), as an infant, child, or adult, water is the channel of holiness, although there is admission through Baptism of Desire - if you want it, you have it. But John is clear that only Jesus will baptize us with the Holy Spirit. Yet many of us who have been baptized as infants or, even as older children or adults, take this Blessing for granted.
There is credible historical evidence, outside of the Gospel descriptions, of the Baptism of Jesus and it is considered the beginning of his Ministry. We are called by Jesus to follow, why not begin at the beginning? The words of an old Negro Spiritual say it best. God will trouble the water - stir it up - so we can see the right place to enter:
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children,
Wade in the water
God's a-going to trouble the water
Look over yonder, what do you see?
God's a-going to trouble the water
The Holy Ghost a-coming on me
God's a-going to trouble the water
From the waters of Creation, to the waters of Baptism, Christ is our bridge over waters troubled and calm and who comes to set our souls ablaze with the infusion of the Holy Spirit. Whether baptized before now or not, it's time to be refreshed and renewed as we begin our own ministry again. Come on in, the water is fine.
Leader: ~ Almighty and Divine Creator, in the Beginning, from
the waters of the formless void and darkness, You brought forth light and life.
From the waters of Birth and Baptism, Christ came forth as our new Beginning,
bringing new life and new light to the darkness in our souls. Let this be a new
First Day as we come forth to receive
our Baptism in the Spirit and to serve Christ in others and ourselves.
Spirit of the Living God
RESPONSE: Fall afresh on us as we strive to please You well
in every day
~
Almighty and Divine Creator, strengthen us to carry Your voice over the troubled
waters of political oppression, injustice, and greed. Let us be heard in the
halls of government, through the channels of diplomacy, and in the spheres of corporate
influence as we demand peace for all of Your people everywhere. We pray
especially for: add your own petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us as we strive to please You well in every day
~
Almighty and Divine Creator, calm the hearts and minds of those unsettled by
illness, physical challenge, or despair. Bring rest to them and to those who
provide for their needs. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us as we strive to please You well in every day
~
Almighty and Divine Creator, help those immersed in grief find solace knowing those
who have gone ahead are now risen in the splendor of Your eternal life. We pray
especially for:
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us as we strive to please You well in every day
~
Almighty and Divine Creator, we pause
in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud
or silently…
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us as we strive to please You well in every day
~
Almighty and Divine Creator, ascribe Your special blessings to those who lead
us to wade with them in the waters of faith and hope, as we discover together
Your holy will for us. We pray especially for:
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us as we strive to please You well in every day
The Celebrant adds: Holy LORD of Power and
Glory, free us from the turbulence of doubt and inaction, and guide us to
quench our spiritual thirst in the living waters of Christ’s Baptism. We ask this
through Jesus, Your Beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit, our Fount of Wisdom, who together
with You are One God, now and for ever. Amen.
Alvin Ailey - Wading in the Water
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