Image: Washed © Jan L. Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Epiphany 1/Baptism of Jesus, Year C: Luke 3.15-17, 21-22
Blessing the Baptism
As if we could call you
anything other than
beloved
and blessed
drenched as we are
in our love for you
washed as we are
by our delight in you
born anew as we are
by the grace that flows
from the heart of the one
who bore you to us.
P.S. In my previous reflection on Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism, I shared Janet Wolf’s story about the baptism of Fayette. If you don’t know the story, please don’t miss it! Fayette’s story continues to bless and haunt me as it challenges me to think about what the sacrament of baptism really means. Click the image or title below to visit that post.
Epiphany 1: Baptized and Beloved
I also have several other reflections and images for the Baptism of Jesus and hope you’ll visit them:
Baptism of Jesus: Following the Flow
Epiphany 1: Take Me to the River
Epiphany 1: Ceremony (with a Side of Cake)
For related artwork, you can find these pieces at the Jan Richardson Images website:
And if you don’t know about the new retreat that I recently released for Women’s Christmas 2013, which you can use anytime (not just on Women’s Christmas!), you can read about it and download the retreat as a PDF (at no cost) by visiting the link below. It’s been wonderful to hear from folks who are using it for their personal reflection or with a group.
Women’s Christmas: The Map You Make Yourself
[To use the image “Washed,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!]
January 11, 2013 at 11:56 AM |
Thank you for all of this, Jan. Your work is become a regular part of my morning reflection and meditation. Fayette’s story will haunt and bless me, too, from now on. And I will carry the poem with me through this day. Love and God bless.
January 13, 2013 at 11:33 AM |
Thanks so much, Heather! I am grateful. Blessings and love to you.
January 9, 2016 at 10:53 AM |
Ah, the beauty of your art and words continue to bless and delight me whenever I encounter them. Thank you for your willingness to share!