Beginnings - Genesis 1, Mark 1 - Epiphany 1B

Beginnings

Tony E Dillon Hansen

Sermon based upon Genesis 1:1-5, Mark 1: 4-11, Psalm 29

Opening Prayer

There once was a goofy young kid that walked into the UI Fieldhouse looking for something and stepped into a carpeted room with a mirror along the one side. That kid was looking to learn karate or whatever it was called. I stepped into that room and was greeted by Mr Keller and was invited to join class. I asked him later that day how long does It take to become a black belt. He suggested to me about 3 to 4 years.

I made up my mind to get there as quick as I could. Four years later, I get my 1st degree decided. Two decades later and couple torn knees, I am a master instructor; I have studied multiple martial arts; and I have competed at national events.

The thing is that belt meant quite a bit to me because it meant I could achieve. I am reminded that belt, that journey, required a beginning. It needed the decision to start, to find the class and to decide that is what I wanted to do. 

Yes I got hurt, and I struggled at times, but the resolve was there and I made it! There were many people along the way that helped mold me into a better person even when I didn’t think I was worthy. I have many friends, many students, mentors and a whole network of fellow martial artists. But Yes I made it!

Our scriptures today bring us to Genesis 1 and to Mark 1. What is in the story of Genesis that speaks to us is that there was a beginning. None of us were alive when it happened, but a decision was made by our Creator and boom we are here. God said, “Let there be light…,” and just like that we are here.

In Mark’s Gospel, we are reminded of John baptizing Jesus even though he did not think himself worthy to touch the sandals. 

Of my own baptism, I don’t remember as I was only a couple weeks old, but I can imagine that I was a handful for my parents and the priest. 

I have participated and witnessed the baptism of others and how the light of God will many times peer into the sanctuary. It is amazing how God recognizes the sentimental and offers divine presence in these moments - whether we recognize them or not.

This is a beginning: a beginning of many things to come - whether we think we are worthy or not.  

Yet here at the Jordan, Jesus is baptized by John by submersion, and out of the water, Jesus looks up and hears God call out, “…Beloved with you I am well pleased.”

This is just a beginning, a doorway, a start, a journey of a thousand steps (or more) begins. 

No matter when our baptism happened, it was a beginning. Much like that goofy awkward kid taking first steps of taekwondo, our baptisms are beginnings and doorways for us into a much larger life, a much larger presence than the goofy presence we were before. That is because God brings so much to us - for without God, we don’t exist.

God calls to us in baptism and brings holy presence into our lives. It is truly a first step into the life with Christ. The journey begins and we all know it is a journey. That journey however requires us and our faith. For then we have to learn to live with Christ in our lives, which some days is easier than others.

We have to be compassionate, empathetic and seeking justice for all our neighbors instead of hoisting ego and wants. We have to lean into our faith, our hope, and our love   even, and especially, when the world is being cruel to us. That is when and where we can find strength. That is when and where we can find comfort in the living presence of Jesus.

Yes, to live with Christ in our lives brings so much more than just old scriptures, festive Christmases, or a place to be on Sunday. It is a way of life that lifts people up and a way that shares the gifts of this beginning and this journey with others. 

This baptism is a beginning of journey. Then, this journey is a series of beginnings because each day is another beginning, another opportunity, for us to see how we can live with the love of Christ in our lives. 

Then years later you can look back with nostalgia and say “I made it!” - no belt required. But you can say that with a smile and grace in your heart. You can say that because Jesus is with you.

Thus, when we renew our baptismal vows, remember that doorway opened for you and listen… hear God call to you as among the Beloved. 

Yes you too are Beloved with whom God is well pleased.

That Beloved is…

Thanks be to God