I. Jesus Baptism in the River Jordan
Jesus comes to the River Jordan to be Baptized by John the Baptist. I thought today we could look at this mystery from John's perspective. John has devoted his life to prayer and to God. The crowds are drawn to John and to his message of repentance. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And then one day Jesus wades into the water to be baptized. John recognizes Jesus and he is confused as to why Jesus would need to be baptized. John feels that it is Jesus that should be baptizing him. And what is Jesus' response? Jesus tells John to go ahead and allow it to fulfill all righteousness. To be righteous is to act in accordance with Divine law. In other words, Jesus tells John this is God's Will, do it. John listens to Jesus and the world is forever changed. The Spirit of God descends from heaven and God reveals Jesus' glory. Now we are not baptized with just water, but we are baptized or immersed with the Holy Spirit. We do not walk this world alone. We live as children of God with His Holy Spirit living inside of us. And we, like John, are called to be righteous--to turn away from sin and listen to Jesus' words so that we too, can do God's Will. John did not understand God's Will at that moment, but he was faithful, trusting, and obedient. Let us ask Mary to help us to recognize God's Will in our lives and then be faithful, trusting, and obedient so that God may use us to change the world.
II. Wedding of Cana
Mary notices that they had run out of wine at the wedding and she asks Jesus for His help. Looking around Mary recognizes the servants present and calls them over. Mary instructs them to do whatever Jesus tells them. The servants did as Jesus directed and the water they filled into the large jars turns into wine. Jesus' glory was revealed and His disciples began to believe in Him. The servants at the wedding listened to Jesus and witnessed His first public miracle. We don't always know how or when God will use us, His servants, to reveal His glory. But God does have a plan for each of us--whether it may be to baptize others with water, gather water into a jar, or lead others to living water. We must take the time to listen to the words of Jesus or we may not ever encounter His glory.
III. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus begins His mission proclaiming the Kingdom of God. What did He say? Did He give directions to a place? Where is the kingdom of God? I would like to suggest that the kingdom of God is not a geographical place to visit but rather it is present where ever God dwells. Jesus describes the kingdom as treasure hidden in a field, a wedding feast, a mustard seed, a mam who sowed good seed, yeast, or a pearl. What do all these parables have in common? Jesus demonstrates the importance of being faithful and righteous. Perhaps the kingdom of God is so foreign to us because we are so busy acquiring the desires of the world that we have not taken the time to discover what God desires. How much time have you spent searching for where God dwells? Have you found Him dwelling inside you? We can live in the kingdom whenever we choose. God has already chosen us, how long must He wait before you choose Him? The kingdom of God is at-hand the only person standing in your path is you.
IV. The Transfiguration
Jesus asks Peter, James, and John to climb Mt. Tabor with Him in order to draw closer to God. How many of you have ever climbed a mountain? Our family climbed in the Smokey Mountains last year. I believe it was about a 5 mile hike. This is how are conversations went. In the beginning we were excited and energetic, however after the first mile was done we started asking questions. " How much longer? Is there a short cut? I'm tired, can't we stop?" And when we passed people coming down the mountain path we would ask , "was it worth it?". The fact is climbing a mountain is challenging. And sometimes in order to grow closer to God we have to conquer some challenges. Prayer may not always be convenient, it might not always be uplifting, it may require us to sometimes leave the comforts of our everyday life and spend time just with God away from all of life's distractions. It may not come easy to you and there are no short cuts. But I'm sure you if you asked people who have an active prayer life if it was worth it, they would certainly say yes. And it is possible that if we put the effort into our prayer life, we too may catch a glimpse of Jesus' divinity just like Peter, James, and John .
V. Institution of the Eucharist
Some of the most memorable stories about Jesus are those instances where Jesus touches and heals. The lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, the sick are healed and sinners repent. Do you remember the story of the woman in the crowd who knew if she could only touch Jesus she would be healed? Do you think touching Jesus would make a difference in your life? Do you really believe that when you extend your hands at communion and say "amen" you are touching the Body of Christ?. Every mass Jesus' merciful love is extended to us. He loves us so much and wants to touch us and be a part of us. I would like to suggest that when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist with our hands open and we place His Holy Body into our mouths, His loving touch really can transform us. Our hands become holy hands eager to do God"s work and our lips and tongue become holy so that we may proclaim God's words, and His Blood mixes with our blood so that our hearts become holy and love others the way God loves. This is what I think about while I wait in the communion line to receive My Lord and Savior. And then I wonder how His loving touch me will change me, so that I may in turn touch and change others.
-Susan
-Susan
