Called By Name
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord offers us a powerful reminder of who we are and whose we are. In Luke’s Gospel, we witness a moment of divine affirmation as Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River. Heaven opens, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” This moment not only marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry but also reveals a profound truth about God’s love—a love that calls, claims, and sends us into the world.
Our reading from Isaiah 43:1-7 echoes this same truth:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
These words were spoken to the people of Israel in exile, a community longing for hope and restoration. God’s promise to them is both tender and bold: no matter the challenges they face—whether passing through waters or walking through fire—God will be with them.
This assurance is not limited to Israel; it extends to us. In baptism, God calls each of us by name and claims us as beloved. It is a declaration that our worth is not based on our achievements or failures but on God’s unwavering love. Just as Jesus heard the voice from heaven at his baptism, we, too, are invited to hear God’s voice saying, “You are my beloved. I delight in you.”
In the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist describes the baptism Jesus will bring as one of the Holy Spirit and fire—a baptism that transforms and refines. This is the work of baptism in our lives. It is not just a moment in the past but an ongoing call to live as God’s beloved people, reflecting God’s light and love in the world.
Isaiah’s imagery of passing through waters and fire reminds us that this journey is not always easy. Yet, God’s promise remains: we are never alone. God’s presence accompanies us through every challenge, empowering us to live into our baptismal identity.
As we reflect on the baptism of Jesus, we are invited to consider how we are living out our own baptismal promises. How are we embodying the love and grace we have received? How are we responding to God’s call to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly?
At The Episcopal Church of St. Mary Magdalene & St. Martin, this might mean continuing to serve our community through outreach programs, advocating for the vulnerable, or simply being a compassionate presence in our daily lives. Wherever we are, God calls us to reflect the love we have received, knowing that we are upheld by the Spirit.
The waters of baptism remind us that we are God’s own—beloved, redeemed, and sent into the world. As we remember Jesus’ baptism this Sunday, let us also renew our commitment to live as God’s beloved people, trusting in God’s promise:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.”
May we go forth with hearts full of gratitude and courage, ready to shine the light of Christ in a world that longs for hope and healing.