The following will be the first reading at Mass this Sunday, January 9 - the Baptism of the Lord. I'm posting it because I think it's an incrediblly beautiful passage from Isaiah. When reading it imagine that God is speaking to you and about you. Read it two or three times and reflect on any words, phrases or images that seem to stand out for you. What is God saying to you?
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
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.
As we hear news from around the world of wars, terrorism, the brutality against innocent people - both born and unborn, it's easy to get discouraged, to give up, to think our efforts are not worh it.
This reading from Isaiah is a reminder that we are not alone. It's a reminder that God has called us - each of us - to do sometihng special. To bring light to the world around us. We can do this in large ways and in small ways. God will give us the strength, the courage and the guidance. All we have to do is grasp His hand and let HIm guide us. God, our Father, who formed each of us in the womb has called us each by name. He has something special for you, for me, for all of us to do. We will never be alone. All we have to do is grasp His hand.
May God bless you throughout this New Year.
Did I mention that I really love this reading?
Effie
PS. January 9 is the first day of Vocations Awareness Week.
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