Baptism sermon for Lucy, 6th
May 2001
John 10: 22-30
Seeing as this is a baptism, I
thought I would bring you a photo of myself when I was a baby. This is a very special photo to me. It is the only photo I have of me with my father. My dad died when he was 25 of
leukaemia. I can't remember him, but
this photo puts me in touch with the fact that I have a father-it reminds me
who I am and where I have come from.
The other interesting thing about this photo was that it was taken just
around the corner from here. In the
Sixties the Council built blocks of flats in Penhill and then got local
teachers to come to Swindon and live in them.
My mum and dad were living in Penhill and teaching in Park North when
they had me. This photo is taken on a
bench outside one of those blocks of flats.
A few months ago I came here for a meeting and in the coffee break I
walked around the corner with a friend to find the bench where my dad had sat
with me. I can't tell you how I felt
when I saw the bench. I sat down on it
and thought, “My dad actually was here”.
It was amazing. It got me in
touch with my father. It’s only a
physical thing, a bit of concrete-but it means so much more to me than anyone
could imagine.
Now, Lucy, the reason I am telling
you this is because I want to make the point that simple things that we can
touch and feel can connect us to something much greater. There is nothing particularly special, for
example about water, or oil, or candles.
But these simple physical things we are using today connect us with the
greatest truth of all-that you are God's child whom he loves. It's just a bit of water on your head, but
in the eyes of God it's a sign of his claim on you and his love for you. Don't despise the little physical things
that we have used today-they can connect you with a world of love which beats
all around us but which we hardly are able to see.
I wonder, Lucy's mum and dad what
you think she really needs in her life.
Sometimes we can be distracted into thinking we need things which
actually turn out not to be life-giving after all. A man is walking down the beach and comes across an old bottle. He picks
it up, pulls out the cork and out pops a genie. The genie says "Thank you for freeing me from the bottle. In
return I will grant you three wishes."
The man says "Great. I always dreamed of this and I know exactly
what I want. First, I want 1 billion dollars in a Swiss bank account." POOF! There is a flash of light and a piece
of paper with account numbers appears in his hand. He continues, "Next, I want a brand new red
Ferrari." POOF! There is a flash
of light and a bright red, brand-new Ferrari appears right next to him. He continues, "Finally, I want to be
irresistible to women." POOF!
There is a flash of light and he turns into a box of chocolates.
What does Lucy really need?
Throughout your life you need to hear God speaking to you. It’s something you learn to do as you begin
to pray, to worship, to meet with those who love him, and to see him in his
world. It isn't just priests he wants
to talk to, it isn't just special people, but it is you. You are one of the sheep he wants to
hear his voice. And he wants you to
hear him so he can always remind you who you are - you are someone who can
never be snatched away. You are someone
with eternal life. You are someone who
has a father. This father longs to know
you, he will never let you down, and he will never die. Throughout your life, come back to the
things that remind you of his love, and learn to hear his voice telling you who
you are.