“I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand. I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” (Is 42:6-7)
“When you give it to them, they gather it; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. If you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust.” (Is 104:28, 29)
“Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him” (Luke 3:21-22)
Piety
Grasp my hand, God of Life, the hand of your child. I will go forth without fear, holding your hand. I will seek to share with others the life you gave to me through baptism. I will seek to share with others the refining journey on which you send me. I will seek to share the many blessings you bestow on me which fill my soul with joy.
Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/010807.shtml
The baptism of a baby is such a joyous occasion. The family gathers. We all dress up and celebrate. We take pictures and enjoy telling the story of the event: “she kept hollering!” or “he was such a good boy and slept through the whole ceremony”. Even the emergency baptism of a baby in life-threatening circumstances brings solace if not joy. We parents and family are “well pleased” just as God is when Jesus is baptized: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3: 22). These words echo Isaiah: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit” (Is 42:1)
Water – life-giving, cleansing, healing. Fire – purifying, refining, strengthening. Water and fire: life-giving, powerful.
Both of these elements are present in the readings today. Water is source of life, awe and abundance – especially to desert peoples. In the Gospel, water is John’s chosen vehicle to prepare those who are willing to listen for the coming of the Messiah.
But water isn’t enough or complete. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). This prefigures Pentecost. It also speaks to the difference in Jesus’ ministry and the expectations of his followers. Jesus refines, purifies with his own life; the Spirit delivers that to us.
Isaiah also prefigures Jesus’ actual ministry. Jesus did not come as a conquering hero to throw off the yoke of the Romans. “[A] bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench.” (Is 42:3) Jesus ministry was refining fire characterized by love and gentleness for those most hurt, those seeking God. Jesus’ message was gentle as a stream of water yet scouring like fire: love God above all and love your neighbor as yourself.
Action
We have been baptized and God loves us as beloved children. What in our lives shows the water and fire of God? Are we life-giving to those around us? Are we uplifted and illuminated by the fire of God or lost in the flames of our own anger, self-pity, selfishness, ambition, thwarted wants? Walk through this day a beloved child of God. What blessing does God have for me today? Listen. And let your soul bless the Lord.
DeColores
Beth DeCristofaro
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