Daily Gospel Reflection for January 6, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

I have a tiny vial of water from the River Jordan, a small memento of my Holy Land pilgrimage. I could boil it down to purify it, but how much water will be left? A few drops? So I keep it just as it is. Its cloudiness reminds me of my sinfulness and God’s graciousness, of redemption through baptism, and the spiritual cleansing that Christ provides with each of the sacraments.

I think of John the Baptist on the river bank, greeting the people who’ve come seeking spiritual cleansing, and how he dowses each one with the dingy water. Each one returned renewed, refreshed, reborn. When Jesus approached, John was taken aback. I’m not worthy to stoop! To serve!, he proclaims. Evenso, he obeys, and immediately the Holy Spirit is visibly and audibly present. The dove descends from heaven, and God the Father proclaims: “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”

John had a special ministry, handpicked for him by the Lord. He was asked to be countercultural in his lifestyle, a radical, a man viewed by the ones of the world to have unique qualities and outlandish quirks. He made use of matter, the seemingly mundane stuff of the world, to proclaim the Kingdom of God. John, overwhelmed with humility at the Lord’s coming to him, humbled by the Lord’s belief in him, responds with loving action. His humility, his understanding of God’s plan for humanity, opens the way for the Holy Spirit.

We have a special mission from the Lord. He asks us to trust Him with the material things available to us, as well as our own personal characteristics. We are perfected by a life of fasting and prayer, are equipped with matter and grace, and called to announce the kingdom of God.

Ponder:

What are your unique talents and characteristics that help proclaim Christ to the world?

Pray:

Lord, grant me the grace to live radically, counter culturally, as the saints have done. Guide me to use my talents well and open the way for the Gospel.