Sunday 11th January – Feast of Baptism of the Lord

Reflection: Isaiah 55:1-11

THE WAYS OF THE LORD

“Your ways are not my ways, it is the Lord who speaks…”
The present state of the world around us provides a good illustration as to what God says through His prophet Isaiah. We live in a generation where wrongdoing has become a “norm” and “acceptable” in the society. It is amidst this that the Lord reminds us that His ways are as far from ours as the heavens are from the earth. This realisation should lead us to sincerely seek God and live according to His precepts, rather than bending to the dictates and demands of the society and the world around us. If we live according to God’s ways then we become recipients of the blessings reserved for those who come to Him.

Hence, amidst the voices of the world, that of our heavenly Father stands out: “come to the water all you who are thirsty; buy corn without money and eat. Why spend…your wages on what fails to satisfy?” Are we ready to heed God’s call? Are we ready to stop seeking happiness, satisfaction and peace from this passing world and look to God for true satisfaction? The Lord assures us of waters of joy for all who thirst and long for happiness in Him. He asks for our complete attention in order to hear and understand what He tells us at all times. He reminds us that there is no need to worry because all shall be well with us.

As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today, we are reminded of our own baptism. At baptism, we are born anew as children of God. Let us open ourselves to the Holy Spirit who dwells in us so that He may guide us always in the pathway of holiness and peace.

PRAYER: Lord, give me the knowledge of your ways that I may work in them Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 197 – Why does the Church adhere to the practice of infant Baptism?
From antiquity the Church has practiced infant Baptism. There is one reason for this: before we decide on God, God has decided on us. Baptism is therefore a grace, an undeserved gift of God, who accepts us unconditionally. Believing parents who want what is best for their child want Baptism also, in which the child is freed from the influence of original sin and the power of death. 

HIDE A TREASURE: “You were buried with Christ in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Isaiah 55:1-11; Psalm 28: 1-4, 9-10; 1 John 5:1-9; Mark 1:7-11