The Baptism of Our Lord Year C - conclusion

The Baptism of Our Lord affords us the liturgical opportunity to remember our baptism which is a good thing to do. It’s not like being re-baptized, which we would say is not such a good thing even if you were only sprinkled when you were so young you thought it was just another bath. At least that’s true for Lutherans who believe baptism is about God and not the believer because the baptism comes before the believing. Of course we baptize big people who know what’s going on but like Cornelius in Acts who spoke in tongues before he and his whole household was baptized sometimes with God the cart shows up before the horse. So this Sunday those of us who can’t remember the day we were “saved” will remember that we are baptized which is the same thing. Martin Luther thought that was such a good idea we should do it every morning, like brushing your teeth or washing your face. That’s because “I am baptized” remembers God’s Word through Isaiah, I have called you by name you are mine. “I am baptized” hears the Voice in the terrifying and terrible as strength and peace. “I am baptized” claims the promise that like Peter and John in Samaria someone laid hands on us and we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. And finally “I am baptized” means we are marked with the cross of Christ and forever joined to the crowd of witnesses because being baptized joins us to the death of Christ so that we might share in the life of Christ. So remember your baptism even if at the time you thought it was just another bath.