|
First
Reading
|
Psalm |
Epistle |
Gospel |
| Isaiah 42:1–9
|
Psalm 29 |
Acts 10:34–43 |
Matthew 3:13–17 |
A common scenario in many traditional fairy tales has an ugly toad being kissed by a princess, and the toad being transformed into a handsome prince, or a pitiful Cinderella in rags blossoming into a beautiful and charming princess. Behind such stories is an ancient truth that as people are shown love and respect, relationships change for the better. As people discover that others believe that they are worth caring about, they themselves become transformed and begin to realize their full potential. They go from being helpless victims of fate into active participants in forging their future. When we know that someone truly cares about us and sees the gifts we might offer, often we are released from a prison of self-doubt and self-hate. Instead of living into our limitations, a new light, a new spirit takes over and we grow into realizing our dreams.
The story of Jesus’ baptism is always read on the first Sunday after Epiphany. The basic Epiphany story is a sign that God gathers many types of people together so that good news to the world may be shown and lifted high. Baptism, like the disclosure of the birth of Jesus to the magi, illuminates the universality of God’s grace. It is fortuitous that the story of Jesus’ baptism today is paired with the scripture passage from Isaiah and the passage from Acts.
Isaiah reminds us that God calls people of faith to promote justice to the nations, not just their own people, and to live as a light to nations, not just to a favored few. Like the Epiphany star, God’s light shines on all creatures. The theme of justice and of a mission furthering a spirit of universal enlightenment is continually amplified by the prophets. The Epiphany story doesn’t’ change the message, it supports and continues to enhance the message.
In Acts, Peter learns that God shows no cultural partiality. The early church had to deal with the serious conflict of different cultures with very different dietary customs, trying to live together. The church was forging into totally new territory. There were no grocery stores, restaurants, and much less fast food palaces, where all could come in and purchase food or eat in the same place with one another. The leaders of the first century church had a real conundrum to untangle. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they did it.
I suspect these two lessons are paired with the account of Jesus’ baptism to remind us that baptism is a gift for our benefit, reminding us that we are brothers and sisters to each other. God considers us members of one family. We have done nothing to earn this, and that is why we even baptize wiggly, screaming babies who might need a diaper change. Baptism reminds us that God’s grace is a gift of inclusion, shutting no one out. To threaten or condemn people who are not baptized is not Gospel. Baptism is never an instrument meant to exclude or as an indication of God’s limitations. Baptism never defines the limits of God’s love, for the peace of God always passes our understanding. God’s heart is infinitely larger than our hearts. Perhaps that is also a reason why the Gospels records Jesus stretching out his arms, welcoming all sorts of people, but never record a single incident of Jesus baptizing in his earthly ministry. Baptism never confines or fences God in.
As people of faith, we are sent from here and into the larger world, not to embrace the ideology of every interest group that confronts us and certainly not to copy all aspects of someone else’s’ life style. Rather we leave here being reminded that God considers us true brothers and sisters to all whom we will meet. So on this first Sunday after Epiphany, as we begin to put away the last of the Christmastide decorations, maybe it is in order to say this week, “for God’s sake, go out seeking the opportunity to go out in the swamps of the world, and kiss a frog with kindness or invite a toad to lunch.” Actually I don’t know why these animals are signaled out for special ugliness, so it may be better to rephrase it. May we be encouraged to show positive attention to Cinderellas, and look to fan and support their potential. Don’t overlook the stepsisters; invite them to the ball, too. They can change also. I don’t know why stepsisters get a bad rap either, for God invites us all to dance under the light of the Epiphany star.
And I offer this to you in the name of the Living God, Amen.
