Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011214.cfm

Quick recap:
1st Reading - Isaiah - Servant song (you may recognize this reading from Holy Week)
Psalm - 29 - The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Epistle - Acts 10 - God has come for all
Gospel - Matthew 3 - Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan by John (Luminous Mystery #1)

Baptism isn't a one-time event, it is a call.  We are reminded of that call this weekend as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  This is the Sunday that bridges our Christmas Season into Ordinary Time.  We are to continue to celebrate and proclaim Christ's birth, but we are also reminded that we must live what we proclaim.  And we do that in our ordinary, everyday lives.


In the Gospel, Jesus explains to John why Jesus' Baptism is necessary.  As the prophets foretold, so shall it be.  It is in Baptism that we are claimed for God.  With the guidance of our parents and godparents, we will learn to grow up in faith.  Living Liturgy 2014 likened our Baptismal call to the torchbearers before the Olympic Games.  Just as runners cross the continents with their torch, we, too, must light the world with the light of Christ.  Our job is to carry the light and spread it so there is no more darkness.  What a great image!

Challenge - in the next week, decide on a way that you can carry the light of Christ.  Then act on that!

Prayer - Lord, thank you for bringing the light of life into our world of darkness and sin.  May we never let our light dim, as we place all of our hope in You.