From today’s Old Testament reading, from Genesis: ‘As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram; and lo, a dread and great darkness fell upon him. … When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land …”’

This is the covenant God made with Abraham. God has made a promise, and Abraham’s part is to pledge loyalty and obedience. So it is with our baptismal covenant; in it we are made members of Christ, and beloved children of God. We promise to renounce Satan and all his works, and affirm our Trinitarian faith and belief according to the Creed. Like Abraham’s covenant, our baptismal covenant is indelible – it cannot ever be removed.

He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it’, wrote St Paul. May we have the faith to trust His promises, and may He bless you this day.