Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Baptism:Call to Discipleship
Rev. Dennis Abraham
Youth Chaplain,
South East Region
10 and so also were James
and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to
Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”11 When they had brought
their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
This passage highlights one of the beginning points of Jesus Christ’s public ministry, and the calling of the first disciples. At the lake of Gennesaret, the fishermen were unable to catch fish throughout the night. When Christ speaks to them, they were able to catch much fish. They welcomed Jesus Christ into their lives, and with that trust, they were able to catch much more than they ever expected. He invited them to catch people, and so without delay, they left everything and followed him. This is true discipleship: it is about understanding who we are in the presence of Christ, listening to the divine call, and living a life as His disciples. That requires full commitment, which may even require us to dedicate our full life.
In the Mar Thoma liturgy of Holy Baptism, when a person is baptized, the following is said: (name) is baptized in the hope of the remission of sins and eternal life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” As a faith community, we have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, reminding us that we are a new creation, and that we are set apart by God for His purposes, and with the hope of eternal life. This is also symbolized through the act of sealing, use of the Holy oil at the time of Holy baptism.
Due to our own weaknesses and sins, we may be falling away from the path set before us. But we must always remember that we have been dedicated to God in the midst of the faith community in the church. The commitment is not a one-time act. Rather, it should be fulfilled on a daily basis. This is true discipleship. Let us remember and be challenged in our life of discipleship, and grow to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, so that we may fulfill our purpose, being God’s creation in this world.
This passage highlights one of the beginning points of Jesus Christ’s public ministry, and the calling of the first disciples. At the lake of Gennesaret, the fishermen were unable to catch fish throughout the night. When Christ speaks to them, they were able to catch much fish. They welcomed Jesus Christ into their lives, and with that trust, they were able to catch much more than they ever expected. He invited them to catch people, and so without delay, they left everything and followed him. This is true discipleship: it is about understanding who we are in the presence of Christ, listening to the divine call, and living a life as His disciples. That requires full commitment, which may even require us to dedicate our full life.
In the Mar Thoma liturgy of Holy Baptism, when a person is baptized, the following is said: (name) is baptized in the hope of the remission of sins and eternal life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” As a faith community, we have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, reminding us that we are a new creation, and that we are set apart by God for His purposes, and with the hope of eternal life. This is also symbolized through the act of sealing, use of the Holy oil at the time of Holy baptism.
Due to our own weaknesses and sins, we may be falling away from the path set before us. But we must always remember that we have been dedicated to God in the midst of the faith community in the church. The commitment is not a one-time act. Rather, it should be fulfilled on a daily basis. This is true discipleship. Let us remember and be challenged in our life of discipleship, and grow to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, so that we may fulfill our purpose, being God’s creation in this world.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to
understand that we have been baptized and set apart as your disciples. We thank
You that you have a purpose for each and every one of us. Help us to always
listen to Your voice, and be your true disciples in this world. Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
We have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. Let us be continuously reminded about our dedication, and be true to God’s divine call and purpose.
We have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. Let us be continuously reminded about our dedication, and be true to God’s divine call and purpose.