Love: The Centerpiece of Life (Baptism of Jesus)
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” – Luke 3: 21-22 (NRSV) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” – Deuteronomy 6:4–5 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” -Leviticus 19:18
There are many stories in the Gospels that demonstrate the way Jesus loved and received love. But Jesus’ ministry starts with a clear message that ignites all love–“You are my beloved!” On this day of remembering the baptism of Jesus, we will remember that this is the message for all of us. Indeed, it is out of this beloved nature that we are called to the many aspects of love: compassion, intimacy, love of stranger and enemy. And “the goal is clear: that we may all be one.”