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Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Year A – 2020

The gospel text of today (Mt.3:13-17) is rich in insights, perhaps not obvious at first sight
but looking into and beyond the words we discover the deeper meaning of what we see and hear.

A modern reporter could give this scene of Jesus baptized by John the striking title of:
Doing what one would rather not do and… meet God!

The words can provoke a smile but this is exactly what happened to John the Baptist
as Jesus presented himself to him to be baptized.
We are told:

“John tried to dissuade him…
But Jesus replied: ‘Leave it like this for the time being…’
John gave in to him. »

Give in to God!
One day, I saw a poster with the caption:
LET GO – LET GOD!

Let go of my ideas – God may have better ideas…
Let go of my plans – God may have a better plan…
Let go of what I want – so that his “will may be done”…
 
Our lips repeat it so often praying the ‘Our Father’, but… somehow…
Today is a good day to start… giving in to him.

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/fete-du-bapteme-du-seigneur-annee-a-2020/

 

Source: Images: thechurchofjesuschrist.org   fineartamerica.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Sunday of Lent, Year C – 2019

It happens that we go to some neighbours, friends, colleagues, to ask for something.
What do we actually request from them?
We may want some help, information, cooperation, assistance for this or that purpose.
We may also hope to receive from them understanding, sympathy, friendship.

Today’s gospel text (Lk.13:1-9) gives us to meet someone who asks for something totally different.
We hear him say: ”Give me time.”
 
The owner of the vineyard for whom he works as a gardener has told him to uproot a fruitless fig tree.
But this gardener wants to try again to save the tree and have it produce fruit as the owner expects.
So, he asks earnestly: ”Give me time.”  

This gospel text is sometimes called: ‘the gospel of the second chance’. 
Some even name it: ‘the gospel of the last chance’.

Perhaps TIME is that for each one of us – a second chance.
To do what?

  • to outgrow our childish ways…
  • to take our responsibilities seriously…
  • to develop some talent left unused up to now…
  • to come to the help of someone in need…
  • to discover the important and precious things in life…
  • to give oneself moments of relaxation, creativity, enjoyment…
  • to be more aware of what our existence on this earth is all about…

TIME to… meet God!
This time of Lent is a good period, yes, a good TIME for all of that!

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/3e-dimanche-du-careme-annee-c-2019/  

Source: Image: Dissolve