The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free form the power of sin and death in today’s gospel, christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.
Readings
Jeremiah 28:5-9
The test of a true prophet
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing
Romans 6:12-23
No longer under law but under grace
Matthew 10:40-42
Welcome Christ in those he sends
Worship Themes and Music
God spoke to us in our baptism and called us to a life of serving the least among us. Music this week centers around this call singing “Lord Speak to Us, that We May Speak” and “In Christ Called to Baptize.” We also have some special music based on that great hymn about the grace we have received in our baptisms into the life and death of Jesus, “Amazing Grace.” This anthem begins with a single voice and grows into a cacophony, a whole host of believers singing of God’s amazing love.
While children certainly need advocates in our world, who else might we consider to be a “little ones”? Maybe you, a loved one near you, or a stranger far away is a “little one” who needs your help. What does serving our neighbor look like?
Jesus gives the ultimate example of self-sacrificial service to his neighbor. Spending time with the people who were derided and hated, Jesus bore witness to their humanity and showed that God came for the least among us. It seems appropriate that Lancaster County would move to PA’s “green phase” of re-opening this week. May we follow the call of worship this week to go into the world and serve the least among us.
