For most Episcopalians, one’s baptism is something not remembered, because cradle Episcopalians are usually baptized during their infancy. This is in following with the teachings of Holy Scripture as is adult baptism or when someone makes a confession of faith.

For me, my baptism happened following my confession of faith at the age of seven. I remember my baptism well. It happened in a Baptist church in the baptismal pool, which was not heated. Even though the church was in St. Petersburg, Florida, the water was cold.

Because I was only seven years old at the time, a plank was set up connecting the steps on either side of the pool for my twin sister and me to walk across the deep water. So I guess you could say that I walked the plank for Jesus! My baptism was something that I have never forgotten. It was definitely an act of faith since I was hoping I would not fall off the wooden board into the deep cold water. The immersion of cold water during my baptism was enough for my small body to take. I remember how warm the towel felt that my mother wrapped my up in after being baptized. Looking back it seems it was symbolic of the embracement of Mother Church of a new member into the fold.

In the Episcopal Churches, even though immersion is given as a choice for baptism, most Episcopal baptisms take place at the font. As you came in today, you may have noticed the baptismal font at the front door.  It has been placed there to aid us in remembering our baptismal vows. Hopefully, some of you actually used some of the water to bless yourself as you entered the Church today.

In the early church, those who were not baptized were not allowed to even stay in the worship service for the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Because the Eucharist is only for the baptized, only the baptized were allowed to stay for the service. Thankfully, this has changed over the centuries, but I bring it to your attention to remind you of the importance of baptism.

Through the waters of baptism we are brought into the membership of the Body of Christ. When we are baptized, our old ways of sin are drowned in the waters of baptism in Christ’s death and we are cleansed and made into new creations through Christ’s resurrection. Baptism is not just a symbolic act of obedience to Christ, but spiritual birth into the family of Christ.

In today’s reading from Acts, the scripture tells us that the Apostle Peter is sharing the gospel with Cornelius, his relatives and close friends. What we were not told in this reading is that Cornelius is a Gentile. Up until this time, only Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah were allowed into the church. Jews were not even allowed to associate with Gentiles, so Peter is breaking a Jewish law by just being with Cornelius, along with the Christian Jews who had accompanied him.

The end of the story of this visit is also important. In Acts chapter ten, verses forty-four through forty-eight, we read the following:

“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.  Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.”

This is the first recorded baptism of Gentile believers. For those of us who are not descended from the Jewish line, this is a major break through for us. The incorporation of the Gentiles into the Church through the waters of baptism opened the door for us to become members of the Body of Christ, also. Perhaps, Cornelius should be held up as the Patron Saint of the Gentiles, since it was through his prayers that the way to Christ was opened.

In verses, thirty through thirty-three, of chapter ten in Acts, Cornelius replies to Peter’s question as to why Cornelius, a Gentile, sent for him, a Jew. The scripture reads, “Cornelius replied, ‘Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’ clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. He said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say.”

Because the Gentile, Cornelius, sought the Lord through his prayers, the Lord answered him and opened the way for Cornelius’ salvation. Not only was salvation offered for Cornelius, but also for his relatives and his close friends. Through the vigilance of this faithful seeker of God, the door has also been opened for all Gentiles.

Praise God for our baptism. Through these sacred waters the manifestation of Christ is born within us. For it was through the baptism of Jesus that Jesus’ true identity was revealed. The gospel reading of today from Luke reads,

“When Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

The obedient act of baptism pleases the Lord. May we who have been baptized rejoice in remembrance of our baptism, especially during this season of Christ’s Epiphany. May the Manifestation of Christ be seen in our daily lives as we share the Christ within us with all. Epiphany Blessings upon all of you and do not neglect to remember your baptism!