Worship - 12 January 2025

Summary of this week's theme

Here’s a thought-provoking question: What are we worth? Often, our minds jump to material or cultural measures of worth, such as wealth, possessions, accomplishments, or recognition. Many of us struggle at times with feelings of inadequacy, fearing we’re not good enough at our core. This insecurity often shapes how we view ourselves, our relationships, and even our connection with God. The church community, clergy included, is no stranger to such doubts.

The Gospel of Luke offers a profound response. At Jesus’ baptism, before his ministry began, he heard God affirm him as beloved. Jesus hadn’t yet performed miracles or taught crowds, yet God’s love and validation were already fully his. His baptism wasn’t a revelation of new worth but an acknowledgment of an eternal truth. It’s a reminder that our worth isn’t rooted in achievements but in God’s love and acceptance, which calls us to live faithfully, even in ordinary moments.

Parenthood reflects this divine relationship, striving to balance guidance with affirming a child’s inherent worth. This dynamic often features a tension between independence and belonging, as illustrated in Cat Stevens’ song Father and Son. While human parenting is imperfect, God’s love offers ultimate affirmation and freedom. Through baptism, this love extends to all, uniting us as a community bound by shared worth and purpose.

Baptismal covenant commitments - to love others, seek justice, and respect human dignity - challenge us to embrace one another as God does. This inclusivity, evident in the Acts of the Apostles, shows how the early church transcended cultural boundaries, starting by uniting Jews and Samaritans. Similarly, today’s church is called to foster connection and affirm worth within and beyond its walls.

We find our value not in isolation but in community. Together, we can uncover truths, solve mysteries, and fulfil God’s purpose. Jesus began his ministry grounded in divine love and acceptance. We, too, can draw strength from knowing our worth is already established in God’s love, inspiring us to live out our baptismal promises and reflect God’s grace to others.

Ultimately, our worth lies in being beloved by God and in the collective strength of our community, where God’s love weaves us together for a shared purpose.