For the baptismal vows to have meaning, we must be willing to live them out. We must be willing to live them out, even if it involves hardship and struggle. Make no mistake, there will be hardships and struggles along the way. Today is the first Sunday after the Epiphany. Today we celebrate the baptism or our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today is one of five especially appropriate occasions for baptisms.
Even if there are no baptisms scheduled, it is appropriate for all the baptized who are gathered to renew their own baptismal vows. We will be doing that very shortly. I will ask you a set of very serious questions. Think about them. On the last five, I pray that you will respond faithfully and joyfully, I will, with God s help .