The Catholic Calendar for Monday, January 8, 2001
The Baptism of the Lord
Details: www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
Psalm29:1-4,9-10
Acts 10:34-38
Luke 3:15-16,21-22
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
"You are my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. . ."
Obviously there was much to be pleased with, in Jesus as a Son. But
what particularly pleased God most about the baptism Jesus underwent?
A clue comes earlier with the humble statement of John the Baptist,
that he baptizes only with water but one would come after who
baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. This is the one whom John
would not be worthy "to loosen the sandals." Jesus submitted to the
will of His Father and obeyed Him completely in undergoing baptism.
This is the source of the Father's pleasure in Jesus. Jesus underwent
baptism at hands of people less worthy than He was. But He did not
brag about His worth, nor did he complain about doing this. He said
simply that this was what must be done according to the will of the
Father.
And this is what the Father delights in when He looks at us. He
delights in our acceptance of His will, in our willingness to embrace
all that He has to offer us, and in our uncomplaining,
un-selfcentered outreach.
Our lesson here, is to listen to God, to seek His will in prayer, and
then go about that will as quickly and completely as possible.
Discern what God would have from you and then give it to Him
willingly, gladly, and unreservedly.
- JuandelaCruz, TOC
(c)2000 The Way, The Truth, The Life. Permission granted to make
reprints or to post on any web page, except for profit.
YOU can help to evangelize the Word of God: Recommend to your friends
the Daily Meditations online at: http://homepage.mac.com/ojoachim
ARCHIVED Meditations at:
http://members.xoom.com/abcsoffaith/quiet1.htm
For ALL communications, including SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
