FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2021
(Part 13)
OUR MISSION – 5
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
January 10, 2021
Today’s readings:
Isaiah 55:1-11
Isaiah 12:2-6
1 John 5:1-9
Mark 1:7-11
Our theme verse for this year is Acts 13:47. The Lord commands us to be light to the nations and instruments of salvation to the ends of the earth.
This is first of all a command, not just a suggestion or wishful thinking. We obey God’s commands because we love Him. “For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jn 5:3). Do you love God? Of course you do. But do you then keep His commandments? Well, you probably try to. And do you know that one of His commands is to bring the gospel of salvation to all? This is where most Christians fail.
For the salvation of the world, God sent His very own Son Jesus. At the very start of his public ministry, the Father affirmed him. “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk 1:11). Now John the Baptist had been proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. But what did he testify of Jesus? “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.” (Mk 1:7-8).
For most Catholics, they are sacramentally baptized as infants. With this, their original sin is cleansed and they are gifted with the Holy Spirit. They become Christians. They are saved. For salvation, there is need for repentance for sin and turning to faith in Jesus. As adults, we also are afforded the experience of renewal through baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is our work. We help bring people to repentance, to faith in Jesus, and to empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
Our work starts with the proclamation of the gospel. We look to sinners, specifically to lapsed Catholics. We bring them through a process by which they can turn away from sin. “Let the wicked forsake their way, and sinners their thoughts” (Is 55:7a). We help them meet and know Jesus in a new way. “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” (Is 55:6). They experience the love and mercy of Jesus. “Let them turn to the Lord to find mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.” (Is 55:7b).
All these are a consequence of the proclamation of the gospel, the word of God. God assures us, “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Is 55:11). What will please God? What is His intent is giving forth His word? It is the salvation of all. “God indeed is my salvation” (Is 12:2a).
In doing the work of evangelization, what can we look to from the hands of God? What is salvation for us?
- We need never be afraid. “I am confident and unafraid.” (Is 12:2b). God is always there for us. Jesus has assured us that he will be with us till the end of time. We are always in God’s love, care and protection.
- We can look to God’s strength in our life and work. “For the Lord is my strength and my might, and he has been my salvation.” (Is 12:2c). We will face many challenges, but God is there for us. He is the one who sends us, so He is the one who will sustain, equip and support us.
- We will have joy. “With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation.” (Is 12:3). What joy it is to experience God’s salvation! And what joy it is to be able to help bring many others to that salvation.
- Our hearts will be filled with gratitude. “And you will say on that day: give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name” (Is 12:4a). We have much to thank the Lord for. Not just for the gift of salvation, but for all the very many blessing we experience from day to day.
And so we obey God’s command to be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth. Our work of evangelization is to be rapid, massive and worldwide. “Among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.” (Is 12:4b).