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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Jan. 11, 2009
By Jeff Hensley
Catholic News Service
January 11, Baptism of the Lord
Cycle B Readings:
1) Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
2) Acts 10:34-38
Gospel: Mark 1:7-11
When the new pastor came into the parish, it was obvious he was a gentle, intellectual Franciscan, warm, with a respectful nature.
What didn't become apparent until he'd been there awhile was that he intended to be the pastor of the parish, not simply celebrate the sacraments and sit back and watch things happen. And some of the groups within that particular parish had grown quite strong and independent under the previous administration.
In time, he began to make his impact on the ministries of the parish. True to Franciscan spirituality, there came to be more of an emphasis on social ministry. Some of the other ministries sought to assert their "power" and found out, sooner rather than later, that the new pastor really was in charge of the parish.
He was "in charge" not in an authoritarian sense, but in the sense in which true authority holds the reins -- with a gentle touch. He listened to all sides, he brought in new ideas and new ministries, and gradually almost everyone came to respect his leadership.
The Isaiah reading for this week describes the Lord's servant, in reality the coming Messiah, as, "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." When I read it I couldn't keep from thinking about this gentle, warm and bright Franciscan.
The priesthood is intended to represent Jesus to the people of the church. When a priest does it well, though we know he is not Jesus in the flesh, we find ourselves wondering if God might applaud his efforts to show his Son to us by saying, as the voice from the heavens did when Jesus came out of the water after being baptized:
"You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased."
QUESTIONS:
Have you known priests who "showed you" Jesus particularly well? How can you better reveal the loving nature of Jesus to those you come into contact with daily?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased'" (Mark 1:10-11).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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