March 4, 2004	Read Mark 1: 9-11
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
THE SPIRIT COMES When you hear these familiar words of scripture from the Gospel of Mark, do you picture, as I do, a well known artists’ interpretation of Jesus’ baptism?  We can visualize the heavens opened and the Spirit descending like a dove.  It is a beautiful scene and in our mind’s eye, one of great peace, beauty and mystery.  Jesus, our Lord and Savior baptized by John, receiving the Holy Spirit and hearing the words from heaven . . . “with you I am well pleased.”  What a wonderful gift of grace that we, too, can receive the Holy Spirit, be forgiven our sins and start anew, marked with the cross of Christ forever and confident in the hope of eternal life. Each Sunday at worship, we confess our sins, hear the words of forgiveness and celebrate that we can start once again, a freshly forgiven child of God.  This is truly Good news!  As we leave worship with the parting words “Go in peace, serve the Lord,” we re-enter the outside world refreshed and with purpose.  Following in Jesus’ footsteps, even though we stumble, it is our hope that when our lives are reviewed, we too might have found favor in God’s sight. Gracious and loving Lord, we praise you for all of creation and for the gift of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We pray for your forgiveness of our shortcomings and thank you for the blessing of our Baptism and what it means in our lives.  We ask for your guidance as we try to follow your word.  In Jesus’ name we pray. LOTUS GERARDS

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