Friday, January 11, 2008

Today's text

Matthew 3:16-17

And when Jesus had been baptized he at once came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, “This is my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on him.”

Prayer

An image appears as I pray, Jesus. My prayer is nothing more than this image. I did not summon or conjure it from feeble imagination. It comes of its own accord—or yours, and I hold it before my mind’s eye, savoring the healing joy I see.

We stand in the water of your baptism, soaking wet, you and I—and one more with whom I seek healing. But the image is not that of seeking but of celebrating. We are joined in a tiny circle of three, soaking wet in the river’s current.

And we smile. We laugh, holding each other, circling in the water, united and at peace, in joy. It is you who brings us together, transcending the differences and tensions that fan anxieties and keep us leery of each others intentions.

So tell me: Is this an image of the future? Of my hope? Of yours? Of the grace and communal life to which you invite us?

It is of course all of this and more. It is an image of the holy future into which you draw all of us in the healing waters that swirl about you.

May we stand in the water with you and share your smile.

Grant our hearts gracious calm that we may live into the blessed vision of your future.

Pr. David L. Miller