First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm: Psalm 25:1-9 (Psalm 25:1-10 NRSV)
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15
We begin Lent back in the country of baptism. Once again, we hear the story of the baptism of Christ. Didn't we just cover this material a few weeks ago?Indeed we did, and it should remind us of the importance of this sacrament. It gives us a chance to notice what we might not have noticed before.
We see that baptism doesn't protect Jesus from the trials and tribulations that will come. In fact, he is driven into the wilderness, tempted by Satan, and I assume that the time with the wild beasts was not easy either. For those of us who think that if we just pray properly, God will give us what we need, we should reread this passage again. Who is this Spirit driving Jesus into the wilderness? Is this Job's God making an appearance again?
This Gospel is not one that you would hand to non-believers to convince them that they'll have an easier life as a Christian. Look at the end of the Gospel lesson: John the Baptist has been arrested. We can't say we haven't been warned about what might happen to us when we do God's work in the world.
But we're not excused from doing it. The Gospel ends with Jesus continuing his mission, preaching the gospel of God. In the face of certain persecution, Jesus has work to do.
Lent is at hand. The season of Lent begins by reminding us that we are dust, and all too soon, we'll return to dust. You can call yourself a creature made out of the ruins of stars (true!), but you're dust all the same. The lessons of Lent reinforce this message.
Like Jesus, we have work to do. Like Jesus, God is already pleased with us, regardless of our results. Jesus believes this good message that God proclaims at the baptism of Christ, and Jesus goes out to change the world.
Like Jesus, let us believe in God's grace. Let us live like the redeemed creatures that we are. Let us go out to change the world.
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