Second Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A
“I will make you the light of the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Today we are reminded of Jesus’ baptism, the start of Jesus’ ministry to gather all people into the one family of God. It also points forward to Jesus’ Passion and Dead as we read in scripture ‘when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all nations to myself.’
When we are baptised in Christ, we are anointed Priest, Prophet and King. The Holy Spirit descended upon us, giving us the light of Christ. When the Pascal candle is lit, it is in remembrance of Jesus’ Resurrection, bringing light into the world, conquering all sin and darkness. Our personal baptismal candle was originally lit from the Pascal candle to be kept burning as the light of Christ shining brightly in our lives. The priest says during the rite of baptism, ‘We are to walk always as children of the light, and to keep this flame of faith burning brightly within our hearts.’
Our seed of faith takes a lifetime to grow in the love of God. It needs to mature and blossom. As we live as God’s Children, we have responsibilities to keep. We are asked to lead good holy lives, and to follow Jesus’ example in all that we do. But we are only human after all, and temptation is always close at hand. If we ever feel down, depressed, feeling lost, or have a sense of darkness coming over us, then ‘switch on’ the light of our hearts.
God’s power shines out where we least expect it, and in the most unlikely of places. The Holy Spirit is always at work, in the very depths of our hearts, through good times and bad.
With this free gift of the Holy Spirit given to us at our Baptism, we are called to continue the saving work of Christ Jesus. Spreading the Good News, so that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. John the Baptist in today’s Gospel, highlights this Good News, ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’ Through the Sacraments of the Church, especially in the Eucharist, we are able to see Jesus face to face. What a real privilege we have been given. Seeing Jesus’ Body and Blood shed during His sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus’ finest hour of Exaltation and Glorification. Through our baptism we have become witnesses to this Good News, and it is too good, too glorious not to spread it, especially when we are a joyful Easter people, and ‘Alleluia’ is our song.
Everyone is called to be with the Lord, to have a personal relationship with him. We are called to be beacons of God’s light, pointing the way to Jesus. This is our role, this is our common vocation. To shine out like stars, allowing people to follow our good example as Christians and witnesses in the Lord Jesus.
St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians sees the community as a consecrated and holy people, set apart and distinct.
This holiness being shared openly, brings new members into God’s family, expanding the community of Christians, allowing it to increase, in hope, love and charity.
May we radiate God’s light today, pointing the way to Jesus, allowing our family and friends to see. May we also celebrate our own baptism, our entry into the One Holy and Apostolic Church, which gives us daily access to all the Sacraments that the Lord has given to us, to strengthen us physically and spiritually in heart, mind and soul.
May our mission in the Lord Jesus be fruitful in spreading the light to the nations, so that the salvation of the Lord may reach to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Rev. Fr Philip Wrigley's Blog 