Reflections for Sunday

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2004

Here is my servant whom I uphold,
My chosen one in whom I delight.
I have called you for righteousness.
I have taken you by the hand and shaped you.
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
And as a light to the nations,
To open the eyes of the blind,
To free captives from confinement,
From the prison those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42: 1-7

My Savior Is Near

I did not always know how much I need a Savior, but now I do. I used to think I knew where I was going and what I was about. I used to think I understood a great deal. I used to think I was in control of things. But now I know that I was wrong.

I have come to understand what a poor, lowly creature I am. I sit in darkness in the prison of my human condition. I am blind. I am weighed down by sin. Emptiness and longing wear away my spirit. I move inexorably toward death. I cry out for my Savior.

In faith I see that my Savior is the Lord. So great is his love for me that he came into the world and laid down his life for me. He cared enough to be my Savior even when I was unworthy of him. While I was still in sin, he died for me. And even now, when my sin is the more grievous because he has touched me with his grace, he loves me with a steadfast and tenderhearted love.

Now that the Lord has come into my life, for the first time I can see. The light of his love shines all around me. All my burdens have been lifted from me. I have been set free.

I will live in gratitude for my Savior's love. I will not be cast down in sadness. I will not fall into sin. I will be filled with joy, because my Savior is near.

Lord God, you raised up for us a mighty Savior, to shine on us who dwell in darkness, and to guide us into the way of peace. We give you thanks for so great a love. May we be holy and righteous in your sight, and ever faithful in this life and in eternity.

Read the Benedictus.

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