By Amalraj A csc –
Readings: Is 42:1-4,6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Mk 1:7-11
Today, the Mother Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies about Jesus Christ as to how he would be an instrument in the hands of God the Father to establish the heavenly kingdom on earth and teach values to all those who eagerly wait for him.
In the second reading, St. Peter says that the one who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him. The gospel reading presents Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist and the spirit of the Lord descending upon him. As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of Jesus, it is the right time to think about our own baptism and how faithful we are in living our baptismal promises. The second reading gives a promise of how we can become acceptable in the sight of the Lord. Jesus lived all through his life by being faithful to and fulfilling God’s plan. Probably it is the same expectation which we too are called to fulfil. Looking at the past life of the church, we can point out a good number of saints who lived their lives pleasing God despite facing challenges.
Taking the present situation, how can we live our life which would please God? It has been nearly a year since the pandemic has pushed everyone to stay indoors. Now that people are getting back gradually to normal life, it is important to ask ourselves, are we priests and religious going back to normal life? Are we still staying behind the doors when a lot of people thirst for spiritual needs? As followers of Jesus, we should stop worrying about ourselves and go out to fulfil the needs of the people. That is when God the Father will be pleased with us and the same words that were said in today’s gospel may echo in our lives too.