Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at The Baptism of the Lord | USCCB
Today we are celebrating the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordon River by John the Baptist. In our gospel reading from Mark, chapter 1, vs 7-11, we hear John the Baptist proclaim of Jesus, “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7-8) John's whole ministry in life was to proclaim the love of God for, call people to repent from their sinful behavior, and to point people towards Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
John is a wonderful example of how we are to live out our lives. He called people to turn away from sin, and he pointed people towards the Messiah. He didn't care to receive glory or praise for himself. He was concerned with bringing others to know God and to follow God's commandments. He was always open, honest and truthful. He was not so much concerned with his own comfort but rather being "right" with God, which ultimately got him to be killed (See Matthew 14:7)
We, like John the Baptist, are called to share our faith that Jesus Christ is the Messiah with others in our lives. It can be hard at times since not everyone can accept that Jesus is the Messiah. But we need not be afraid to share this faith in Jesus Christ with other. We can do it in the way we live out our lives as Christians, and, when asked about our faith in Jesus Christ, feel free to share the Good News that Jesus Christ is our Savior. And then pray for those people you share your faith with that they, too, may one day come to faith in Jesus Christ.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteLike St. John the Baptist we are "prophets of the Most High to go before the LORD to prepare His way, to give people the knowledge of salvation...", as written in the Canticle of Zechariah in the Gospel of St. Luke.
St. John the Baptist went before the LORD literally & historically, since his ministry in the desert was to make people ready to encounter Our LORD JESUS as Savior & Messiah in Our LORD'S public ministry on earth.
Historically we live centuries after Our LORD'S first coming. But by living our faithful Christian lives with joy & always being willing & ready to share the "reason for our hope" we can help prepare the people whom the LORD brings into our lives to encounter Our LORD personally & prepare the way for them to receive Our LORD into their hearts as Savior & LORD.
May the Holy Spirit help us to make use of every opportunity to "prepare the way of the LORD" in the lives of people we encounter. And often we are doing this without even realizing it.