People had high expectations of John as he baptized them. We read in Luke 3:15, “Now the people were filled with expectation.” What are your expectations of God, the church, yourself? What are your hopes for this new year? May I suggest – transformation.
We see in that passage in Luke 3 how the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to us constantly, relentlessly. We have only to receive it. The Spirit has the power to transform us even now if we let Him. Let us pray, Come Holy Spirit!
Because we are baptized, we become members of God’s family. As family, we are called to love each other as Jesus loves. When we do that, when we love others as Jesus loves us, we transform the world. It is all about God’s love of us. When we bring God’s love to others, we give them the hope that this world so desperately needs.
I love the reflections of Dn. Arthur Miller on the USCCB site. He tells us of how he wakes up each morning and prays, “Lord, what are we gonna do today? What do you want to do through me today?” To that, I add, “Lord, give the wisdom to know what that is, and the courage to do it.”
Let’s add that morning prayer to our NY resolutions. Every morning let’s ask God to show us who to love and how to engage the works of mercy – feeding, clothing, housing, visiting the most vulnerable amongst us. By trusting the Spirit, acting courageously, and giving generously of our Time, Talent, and Treasure, God’s love will flow through us. We will bring forth justice and transform the lives of those most in need. We will change the world.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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