Is 49:3, 5-6
1 Cor 1:1-3
Jn 1:29-34.

The Glory of God
The readings from Sunday January 20th stir up in me questions and reactions. The first question is from the Isaiah, have I ever met anyone who showed forth God’s glory? I certainly have prayed that I might be an instrument of God’s unconditional love, has there ever been a point that in that action or desire that I showed forth God’s glory?

Secondly, am I courageous enough to accept God’s direct call to be God’s servant or God’s light? I remember once having a very strong dream about God speaking to me directly. It scared me so much that I couldn’t go back to sleep. God seemed too close, too overwhelming! Ever since that dream in the late seventies, I have always felt better telling God my plans about what I am going to do for Him, than that overwhelming encounter in my dream.

In the gospel we hear more about Jesus’ baptism. Jesus not only receives John’s baptism, but He also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps it is this powerful baptism of the Spirit with the simple action of the pouring of water that empowered Jesus to His new ministry. Empowered by the Spirit to be open to being not only the servant of God, but also the one through whom God’s glory could be shown.

I wonder if I have been open to the power of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation to be transformed into a servant willing to be about “My Father’s business, a vehicle through whom His glory can be seen?”