Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Cycle C, Year I)
Community Word:Christ is the revelation of God’s glory to the world.
Theme: God’s glory is revealed when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our lives.
Promise:“…upon whom I have put my spirit, he shall bring forth justice to the nation.”(Is 42:1b)
Reflection:
On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Luke’s gospel shows us the action of the Holy Spirit who descended and rested upon Jesus with His infinite presence and power. By the Spirit of God, it is revealed that Jesus’ human nature is under the complete control of God, revealing His Divine power, understanding, and knowledge in all His works and words, assuring Jesus that everything in His ministry is divine as it is human.
After His baptism, Jesus demonstrated God’s presence and authority, attracting more and more people to His ministry. Everyone who approached Him witnessed and experienced the true nature and character of the Father in His divine love – His kindness, mercy, forgiveness and faithfulness. The glory of God is fully revealed through Christ’s life, in His ministry, teaching and finally in His death and resurrection.
Our theme for this week tells us: God’s glory is revealed when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our lives.In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul tells us, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s,” (1 Cor 6:20). As Jesus’ present-day disciples and having received the “new life” He gave us when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, we are expected to testify to the goodness and beauty of our transformed life. Indeed, it is tough but we will not be in this alone. We remain empowered by the Holy Spirit who is our Guide, Companion and Sanctifier.Our role is to place our lives under the action of the Holy Spirit and permit Him to control our thoughts, change our hearts and influence our way of life.
As our Guide, the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts enlightens our mind to enable us to see, know and understand God’s word and Truth. He grieves when we rebel, and lovingly convicts us of our wrongdoings and eventually leads us to repent and ask forgiveness of our sin. He guides us in our commitment to die to our “old self” of sinfulness and walk in our “new life” of righteousness.
As our Companion, He is always here to strengthen us in overcoming challenges and trials, fortify us when we are tempted and comfort us in times of suffering. He brings us into an intimate relationship with God and to communicate with Him in our prayers to experience His loving presence.
As our Sanctifier, He makes us learn to live holier lives by applying our spiritual gifts to develop tender heartedness, compassion, humility, forgiveness, joy and hope. The fruit of our spiritual life – attainment of holiness, use of spiritual gifts and divine empowerment in us, has its fulfillment in our time and in eternity, bringing greater glory to God.
It is God’s desire that “all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord,” (Nb 14:21).However, we cannot succeed in living a life of obedience to God and becoming Christ-likeif we are full of pride, conceit, and ambition; if we are self-seeking and attuned to worldly pleasures. Jesus wants His Spirit to dwell in us so that God’s glory may be manifested in the work He does in us and through us. This is His promise to us: “…upon whom I have put my spirit, he shall bring forth justice to the nation.”(Is 42:1b). Jesus is the hope of the glory of God on earth today and for all eternity.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and with the fire of Your love and goodness. May I always find joy and delight in seeking to please You in doing Your will just as You have delighted in the joy of pleasing the Father and doing His will. Oh Holy Spirit, refresh me and equip me for Your work in me and through me. Amen.”
Reflection Question:
1. What are the struggles you are facing to allow the Holy Spirit to completely renew your life?
2. How do you respond to the call of Jesus to be the manifestation of God’s glory in our home, community and church? What are the hindrances that prevent you from being part of this mission?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
Jan 13, 2019 Sun) – Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10/Acts 10:34-38/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Jan 14, 2019 (Mon) – Heb 1:1-6/Ps 97:1, 2, 6, 7, 9/Mk 1:14-20
Jan 15, 2019 (Tue) – Heb 2:5-12/Ps 8:2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9/Mk 1:21-28
Jan 16, 2019 (Wed) – Heb 2:14-18/Ps 105:1-4, 6, 7, 8, 9/Mk 1:29-39
Jan 17, 2019 (Thu) – Heb 3:7-14/ Ps95:6-11/Mk 1:40-45
Jan 18, 2019 (Fri) – Heb 4:1-5, 11/Ps 78:3, 4, 6, 7, 8/Mk 2:1-12
Jan 19, 2019 (Sat) – Heb 4:12-16/Ps 19:8-10, 15/Mk 2:13-17
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
