Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"I, the Lord, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations." (Isaiah 42:7)

This Sunday is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Christ humbled himself and received baptism from his creature. St. John exercised profound humility and obeyed the desire of Christ knowing that the roles should be reversed. He recognized he was just an instrument and allowed God to use him as he pleased.

As we begin this new year, may our desire be to get out of the way. When we submit to God's will, we find peace and are led by paths different than we would devise for ourselves. Looking back it's very often the truth that we thank God that we are not Him. If we made decisions on our own without consulting him things would be much worse. The Father knows best. Let us trust in Him.

Questions for Reflection:

• Am I making this year's resolutions on my knees?
• Can I see silver linings in what appeared as only clouds in my life before?
• Do I trust that no matter what I face this year, God will be there to enlighten and support me?