Mark’s gospel gets straight to the point. God is loose in the world!
John prepares the way. John baptizes for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus comes to be baptized. The heavens are torn apart. The Spirit descends. God speaks. Jesus is driven out to the wilderness. John is arrested, and Jesus returns to begin his ministry.
It all happens so quickly. It’s overwhelming! Where do we fit in all of this? What purpose do we have? These are questions most everyone finds themselves contemplating.
The answer is simple and profound: Baptism. Baptism claims us as God’s beloved children. Through our baptism into Christ, we become part of God’s mission. We are joined with Christ in his death and resurrection. God is loose in the world through Christ. Just as Jesus called those first disciples, we, too, are called. Having been claimed by God in our Baptism, we become part of God reclaiming the world through Christ. This is good news. This is our purpose.
Christ is risen. Alleluia!
We give you thanks, O God, for claiming us as your beloved children through Baptism. Make us willing to follow your call wherever you may lead us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. —