On an Anniversary of Baptism

Wisdom 18:14-16 ; 19:6-9

For while gentle silence enveloped all things,
and night in its swift course was now half gone,
your all-powerful word leapt from heaven,
from the royal throne,
into the midst of the land that was doomed,
a stern warrior carrying the sharp sword
of your authentic command,
and stood and filled all things with death,
and touched heaven while standing on the earth.
God Guides and Protects His People

For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew,
complying with your commands,
so that your children might be kept unharmed.
The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp,
and dry land emerging where water had stood before,
an unhindered way out of the Red Sea,
and a grassy plain out of the raging waves,
where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation,
after gazing on marvellous wonders.
For they ranged like horses,
and leapt like lambs,
praising you, O Lord, who delivered them.

Luke 18:1-8

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” ’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

Man, what can anyone say after readings like these. Moses as a prefigurement of the Saviour of Mankind. The People, passing through the Red Sea, are entering into a World made new, not unlike those who have passed through the waters of Baptism, who also enter into a New Creation. Very, very powerful stuff.

Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free, you are the Saviour of the world.