12 Jan – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, or Theophany, is the feast day commemorating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Originally the baptism of Christ was celebrated on Epiphany, which commemorates the coming of the Magi, the baptism of Christ, and the wedding at Cana. Over time in the West, however, the celebration of the baptism of the Lord came to be commemorated as a distinct feast from Epiphany. It is celebrated in the Catholic Church as well as the Anglican and Lutheran Churches on the first Sunday following The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6). Some Lutheran churches celebrate it on the Sunday before Lent, or Quinquagesima.
- Wikipedia
Isa 42:1-4,6-7
Acts 10:34-38
Lk 3:15-16,21-22
“You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.”
I don’t believe I have ever heard this phrase from my earthly father. Well, it’s not because he is uncaring, or that he doesn’t acknowledge me as a son — just that he left my family when I was seven or eight years old, and I have very little memories of him. Was he ever proud of me? I don’t really know for sure. That part of my life remains fuzzy at best.
In all honesty, right now, I don’t really care if he was proud of me. If I am still wondering about that, now that I am in my fifties, then I really have a lot of time on my hands and not that many things to worry about. However, what I am concerned about, is whether God the Father is proud of me.
Can I say that I have been an obedient child of God? Of course not. Do I try to be? Yes, but often times, I fail very badly. I attend Mass as often as I can, I try to go for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a month, I do contribute to the church. That’s all fine and dandy, but I still fail by not following at all times, what Jesus told us; to “Love one another as I have loved you”.
I struggle at this very much. There are good days and there are bad days. All it takes is for someone to exhibit ‘bad’ behaviour, and I begin to judge. But who am I, a fellow sinner, to judge? Loving my neighbour means having to accept my fellow brothers and sisters as they are. God the Father welcomes all sinners, and He actively seeks out those that are lost, just like the lost sheep of the hundred.
I recently attended a silent retreat, and my Spiritual Director told me that God is always on the lookout for us, especially those that have strayed. He will never give up on us and is always ready to welcome us back, just like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Even as the Prodigal Son started on his prepared speech, his father instantly shushed him and asked the servants to put a ring on his finger and for him to be dressed in fresh clothes, as he was no longer a slave, but the child of the Master again.
This scene is so beautiful. It is also relevant to all of us. Many times, we have strayed; and many times, the Father welcomes us back with outstretched arms. He never tires of always looking out for us.
The following excerpt was from one of the daily meditations that I was given at the retreat:
What is a Christian:
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean living”
I’m whispering “I was lost”
Now I’m found and forgiven
When I say that “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.
This gives me so much hope, that even though I may still have my sins, God the Father doesn’t judge me and when I strive to do right and return to a state of grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, He will be ever ready to say, “Welcome back, my true and faithful son” and with you, “I am well pleased”.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Calvin Wee)
Prayer: Good and gracious Lord, You are always on the lookout for us and do not judge when we have fallen away. Grant me the grace to always ask you to be with me as on this road and that if we stray, we will always come back to you. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Loving Father, thank you for giving us all that we have. You always know what’s best for us and You have the perfect plan for us. Please guide us to stay on the right path, even when we stumble, and to hold our hand as we make our way back to you. Amen.
OXYGEN 
Leave a comment