“You are my beloved Son; 

with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

My wife’s grandfather, who sadly returned to God this past summer, would always refer to his wife as “my beloved.” The title always struck a chord as it captured his endearment for her, especially as she passed away almost three decades ago.

Henri Nouwen, who wrote a book on what it means to be God’s beloved, says this: 

“We are the Beloved. We are intimately loved long before our parents, teachers, spouses, children, and friends loved or wounded us. That’s the truth of our lives. That’s the truth I want you to claim for yourself.”

Today, the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus, preparing to begin his public ministry, is baptized by John. Following this event, he goes to the dessert for 40 days of prayer before beginning his preaching, healing, and teaching.

As Jesus emerges from the water, the skies open and we hear God call Jesus, “my beloved”.

This beautiful image isn’t just a historical event from 2,000 years ago. And it isn’t just a title reserved for Jesus. Rather, it is a promise for each one of us.

After nearly two decades of youth and college ministry, and now advocacy work with the Sisters of Charity Federation at the United Nations, as well as being a parent of young children, I truly believe this concept and truth is essential for our relationship with self, God, and others.

If we can finally accept and believe that we are God’s beloved, loved beyond our imagination- unconditionally-this would change the world. Especially, if we, as a collective people, could move to this higher consciousness together.

As parents, what greater gift can we give our children than to not only recognize our love for them, but that of God. And, that this love has no limits and no criteria.

Nothing can keep me from loving my girls. And nothing can keep God from loving us.

It is impossible to consistently love self and others without allowing God to fill the depths of our being. If we can accept our place in God’s love and plan, we can reveal to others how they too, are called to own this identity as God’s beloved, too.

So, on this day, let us be reminded to open our hearts to God’s unconditional love. We are, as Nouwen says, “intimately loved.” This, my friends, must be our starting point each and every day.

Right now, be still, and hear God in the depths of your heart as God says, “You are my beloved.” Can you truly believe this?