Many people want to know the God in whom they believe.
But people are sometimes faced with a difficulty as they try to understand matters of faith.
They are so eager to find out what to believe, and how to believe, that they forget to focus on whom to believe!
This applies especially to what is called ‘grace’ in the Christian message.
Theologians describe this concept and attribute different qualities to it.
Their presentation often becomes dogmatic, theoretical, abstract.
Often, it fails to inspire people to believe, to trust, to rely on someone, a real person…
On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the 2nd reading of our celebration is a section of Paul’s letter to his friend Titus (Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7).
Paul says:
“God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race.”
Paul goes on to explain:
“When the kindness and love of God our saviour were revealed,
it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves;
it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us…
Renewing us with the Holy Spirit… that we should be justified by his grace.”
It becomes clear that it is not a matter of merit on our part, but a matter of accepting God himself into our lives.
Accepting his kindness, his love, his compassion, reaching us where we are and how we are – no matter how poor, how weak, how sinful.
Grace is really the special presence with us of the one who is a gracious God.
All that we are, all that we have, all that we become, is God’s graciousness drawing us to himself to pour into our lives his gifts and blessings of all kinds.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux could say:
“Everything is grace.”
Truly, EVERYTHING… a gracious God enfolding us…
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/le-bapteme-du-seigneur-annee-c-2025/