Day by day they arrive in the mail. We call them invitations. A new store is opening for business and you are invited to see. A friend is getting married and you are invited to share in the celebration. Your class is having a reunion and you are invited to attend. Hardly a day passes, but someone requests the honor of your presence.

There is an invitation of a divine kind that cuts through history and transcends time. It comes from Jesus Christ. It has your name on it. It is an invitation to Christian Discipleship. Jesus of Nazareth requests the honor of your presence. The risen Christ invites you to a personal, daily relationship with him. A faithful friend, Jesus, asks you today, “Will you follow me? Will you go with me all the way?”

By the waters of baptism we are cleansed and claimed…