Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

By Sharon Zimmerman Rader, Bishop in Residence, Garrett-Evangelical

Jesus' Baptism by John. Chapel of the Unnamed Faithful. Photo by Al Caldwell.

REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Remember your baptism and be thankful. Amen.

The Holy Spirit work within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

I remember my baptism, and I am thankful. Amen.

Christ Candle and Baptismal Font. Chapel of the Unnamed Faithful.

One of my father's continuing admonitions to me as a teenager was to remember: remember what I had been taught, remember who was counting on me, remember that my name was Zimmerman. As I'd leave the house for school or a date or some other activity, Dad would call out: "Remember who you are!"

Truth be told, I chafed some days at the reminder but I could never get away from it. I had been created and shaped by our family life. It was there I was challenged and instructed. It was there I knew forgiveness. It was there I knew love.

I've been created and shaped by another family as well: the church. "Remember your baptism and be thankful!" the liturgy admonishes. Don't forget who you are and for what you have been created. Don't forget that you are forgiven and loved. My name is Christian; I belong to Christ's family and that makes a difference in what I do, how I speak, where I go.

Thanks be to God for our baptism. Thanks be to God for the way in which the Holy Spirit continues to admonish and strengthen each and everyone incorporated into this wonderful family.