‘It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee 

and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open 

and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.

And a voice came from the heavens, 

‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’”

“It happened in those days.” It’s a rather innocuous phrase used time and again (by one count, over 1,200 times) in the scriptures to introduce an event. Some of these events are great tragedies and some are mighty works of God. It is a bit understated and carries something of a passive perspective, like an historian recording a moment in time or the action of another. It takes time to look back and be able to communicate events in such a fashion. In doing so, there is a recognition of the importance of the event for future generations. So, as innocuous as it may seem, this phrase also marks the significance of a particular event. It is worth remembering. It is worth the ink and the velum and the time to write and copy by hand over and over again. It shouldn’t be forgotten. The phrase can be variously translated, but carries the same meaning whether it’s “it happened in those days,” or “it took place at that time,” or “it transpired in that year,” or “it came to pass.” It is worth remembering. It is significant. 

As we enter the early days of 2021, it may be too soon to look back at 2020 and determine what will be important for the history books. Of course, COVID-19 and the worldwide pandemic, racial injustice and social unrest, and the presidential election will make the list. We’ll have to see if the market crash and recession, Australian wildfires (they may have already been forgotten), Nashville tornado, Nashville bombing, record hurricane season, or the host of other issues and events that happened will be worth remembering. Personally, we may recall illnesses, job losses, or loved ones who have died. Decades from now, we may recall how everything changed in how we worked, taught, connected with others, and worshipped. It may be more difficult to nail down at this point, but maybe there will be some moments of joy, the birth of a child, the return to Mass, the resilience and strength of community and family, the creativity in the face of challenges, the heroic sacrifice of first responders, and the generosity of so many. It may be that we discovered what was truly important, reaffirmed what we believe in, or made changes that will last the rest of our lives. Even now, it may be worth taking some time to write down what you want to remember from 2020. 

Perhaps this year, more than most, I am reminded about a comedy bit done by Christian comedian Mark Lowry (you can still find it on YouTube, although I first heard it in the early 1990s). He says his favorite verse in all of scripture, in fact his life verse (a concept of choosing one scripture verse to symbolize or anchor your life), is, “It came to pass.” According to Lowry, it didn’t come to stay. You can be assured of one thing, whatever is going on, it will pass, either in this life or the next. “Either it will pass or you will pass,” he says. Lowry continues, “Did you have a bad year last year? Hold on. It will pass. Did you have a good year last year?” He pauses, raises his eyebrows, opens wide his eyes, and smirks. “Hold on. It will pass.” It still makes me laugh. Even with the experience of 2020, it still makes me laugh. We have experienced profound sadness, isolation, shock and anger. Hope has, at times, seemed dim and we still have a way to go. God, however, has been with us through it all. With all that has come to pass, God has come to stay. As the heavens opened and God spoke over Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan by John, he has spoken over each of us in our own baptism, “You are my beloved child.” As much as anything else, this is worth remembering. As much as has come to pass, these words remain.