For the next fortnight the epistle reading covers Romans 6 in two parts. Romans 6 tells us about the ongoing role of our baptisms. Baptism is no less than union with the death and resurrection of Christ. This matters, because our sins are left behind in the grave. But what comes after is a new life where sharing his resurrected life we live like that actually matters. So we look to live in God’s way. And we come back in contrition and repentance when we don’t, thereby returning to our baptism. It’s therefore a continual life of grace that we live in, not law, even though the law shows us our need for Christ and directs us in God’s way. “Lord, thank you for giving us the mystery of life in Christ through our baptisms. Through your Spirit lead us to live our lives in committed service to you – true slaves to your righteousness. Amen.”