Jesus said to his cousin John,
I want to be known as one with these,
Baptize me.
‘To untie your sandals I am unworthy,’ John railed, wild and preachy —
I should be baptized by you.
But Jesus said,
Let it be done to me now, and
Stepped into the waters of the Jordan;
Into the rushing stream without hesitation,
Jesus plunged deep,
Struggled through the chaos,
Within and without,
Leapt up fresh and smiling,
Perfect and complete.
A grand celebration of word made flesh.
Forever blessed by His father in heaven,
Ready to transcend pain and suffering,
And embrace neighbors as friends,
Open to a future at His father’s invitation.
So now we seek to follow His happy example;
As an infant suckles a mother’s breast;
Calm and safe from the storms of living,
Suddenly awakens,
Eyes wide open, surprised by chilly
Water running down his soft face.
A shock to his rhythm of living,
Evoking loud protest at this solemn occasion.
A happy memory parents, family and Parishioners alike love to celebrate:
Naming this person,
Acknowledged as one of us,
A member of our community of friends,
Ready to keep alive baptism’s true meaning for formal appraisal after more living.
Charged with protecting his future,
Responsible to give light to his journey,
Teaching how Jesus loved without fear,
Learning to live the mystery of faith,
Through tears, jeers, and cheers
Year after year.
Finally to engage all creation as one of God’s Chosen,
And make of his future a heavenly Blessing.
THH
1/9/25
Thoughts Have Hands 