Hosted by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - Loveland, OH · EN
Today we not only celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, but baptisms of several new members. In his message this morning, Pastor Jonathan reminds us that our baptism means that no matter what happens in our lives, we begin and end washed in God's grace. Through the highest of the good things in our lives, and the lowest of the bad things, staying focused on our baptism in God's grace keeps our lives in perspective.
Today's gospel starts with "In the beginning ..." and continues to tell how God brought forth light from the darkness. Pastor Michelle explains that darkness can be place of peace and comfort, but more often it is a place we associate with bad things happening. The light that the gospel lesson is talking about is Jesus overcoming the dark spaces in our lives. She goes on to remind us that we can help other people out of their dark places by, as we say during baptisms, "let your light shine before others..."
Many events in the Jesus ministry involve sharing a meal, from raising Jarius' daughter, to meeting Zaccheus, to the story in today's gospel where the disciples shared a meal with him after the resurrection. Michelle tells us this morning that there is a lesson in all this: Sharing food brings people together to experience God's abundance. We share food when we gather for events or meetings, and most importantly, the Eucharist. But we can also share food through the community garden or the LIFE food pantry, and show our neighbors what life in Christ is all about.