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Reflection for Sunday 01/13/08

READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

REFLECTION:
John the Baptist is puzzled when he sees Jesus approaching him to be baptized. John knew that his role was to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah. Now here the Messiah was, asking John to baptize him. How preposterous that seemed! John protested, “I need to be baptized by you.” But Jesus assured John that it was appropriate that Jesus be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.” We may be like John, sure of our role in life and confident that we know God’s plan for us and how to live it out. We may even think that we know God’s plans for those we love. It may be difficult to surrender that certitude but sometimes we may be faced with a turn of events that causes us to look in a new direction or to see ourselves in a new light. This may not be as public an event as Jesus’ baptism but such moments can be true opportunities for growth. It does take some humility and great faith to trust in and to act on new insights into our relationship with our God. Openness in faith will help us take advantage of these graced opportunities.

1. What evidence can you offer that you are a faithful servant of the Lord?
2. When has the Holy Spirit helped you treat someone fairly?

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to surrender my pride so that I may always be open to your love and choose to follow your will. Amen.

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