Day Two:  June 2, 2019

Ephesians 4:4-6:  “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”

My mom always used to say, “Wouldn’t it be so boring if we all liked to do the same thing and have the same interests?”  It’s true, right!  If we were all made the same, the same gifts and abilities, the same interests, there really would be no desire to be who we are – because everyone else would already being doing it! 

I believe that God made us all different for a very good reason!  It takes every one of us to do the work we are called to do through our Lord.  The church is the place where we come together to use our gifts, talents, and money for the good of the community and the world!  But, to make it even more difficult, Jesus calls us to be One with Him!  How in the world do we do that?

In Ephesians 4:4-6, St. Paul states, “…just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism…”  If you are wondering how in the world can we be ONE – not only with each other, but also with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (who are also only ONE!) then this is your answer in Ephesians 4:4-6! 

I believe that it is our baptism that brings us together!  Our baptism – with water and the Word of God seals the deal!  Our baptism puts us in a whole different category from the rest of the world!  Read the book of Acts.  Thousands were baptized every single day as they became One with the Lord and with each other!  It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit brings us together in such profound and exciting ways! 

Therefore, our prayer today is to pray for those who have been baptized and for those whose hearts are being pulled towards baptism.  We should also always pray for those who will be baptized! 

Let us pray.  Dear Lord Jesus Christ, through our baptism of the Water and The Word – in the name of God the Father, Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we are UNIFIED!  With each other so closely knit together, show us how to be bold in proclaiming YOU – the Christ Crucified, died, and risen for the sake of the World!  Open our hearts and minds to Your Will – Bring it on!  Show us the Way!  Amen