In Dorianne Laux’s poem, “Dust” someone speaks words of truth to the poet in the quiet of the night. She recognizes the significance of the message, but she can’t get herself up to write it down. In the morning, the truth has turned to dust. That’s how it is sometimes —
God comes to your window,
and you’re just too tired to open it. On this Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we remember the truth of baptism, that we are claimed and called by God. Many churches will include a ritual of remembrance in worship, pouring pitchers of water into baptismal fonts, or joyfully splashing the unsuspecting front pews, reminding us of God’s promise in Isaiah (43:1-2): “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” We are not alone. God is at our window whispering words of truth. Will we listen? In his commentary on Luke’s Gospel, Fred Craddock highlights how Jesus was praying as he was baptized (v. 21). Only Luke adds this note to Jesus’ baptism story. Jesus’ prayer life is very important to Luke, who often describes him wandering off to a quiet spot, especially at critical moments such as the choosing of the twelve disciples (6:12), before asking the disciples who he is to the people (9:18), or on the mountain before the transfiguration (9:28-29). “Jesus was praying,” Luke writes, rarely adding any dialogue to these scenes. Perhaps this was the gospel writer’s way of emphasizing the importance of listening in prayer. Had he been too tired, or distracted, Jesus would not have heard the voice declaring the truth of his existence: “You are my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Luke continues this emphasis on prayer in the Book of Acts. The early Christians “constantly devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14) before the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost. According to Craddock, these prayer events were not just aspects of the historical record for Luke but stories of witness: God’s Spirit is available to us when we pray. We could all use some practice when it comes to listening. In a culture that prioritizes doing over being, action over stillness, sitting for wordless prayer may feel pointless. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. | 
2024 Advent Resources Advent Candle Litanies “Hope: The First Sunday of Advent” “Peace: The Second Sunday of Advent” “Joy: The Third Sunda...
