Weekly Reflection, Sunday, January 13, 2019
By: Emily Bruch, Director of Youth Ministries
For the past few weeks I have been continually bombarded with the question “What is your New Year’s resolution?” I’m immediately exasperated; I do not have an answer. Many of us set forth goals each year, yet it sometimes takes months before we put them into practice. Often, these resolutions are to better ourselves, either outwards or inwards.
One of my favorite moments of January is the celebration of the Baptism of our Lord; the celebration of new life as a way to kick-off the new year. This Sunday we welcome two new members into our extended Christian family. During the Baptismal Service we are asked to renew our own Baptismal Covenant—a promise we have made with God before, and a way to live out our lives every day.
Similar to our New Year’s resolutions, we may find ourselves losing our way. The beauty of this covenant with God is that we can always renew our promises. We do not have to wait for a new year for a fresh start. Through this sacramental promise we are reminded by the waters of baptism that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from His love.
The last five questions of the Baptismal Covenant stand out to me, as these are vows we make about how we will live out our lives. We are asked to boldly respond to each question with “I will, with God’s help.” Here we are reminded that we are not alone. These promises can be carried out with unconditional love from God.
As you move forward into your year, I ask you: How are your resolutions reinforcing these promises you have already made to God? How do you live into this covenant every day?
Together we can, with God’s help.