Daily Reflections

Perhaps hope, instead of being based on circumstances or on human motivations, is based on the “one who is true.”

Sunday’s feast of Our Lord’s Baptism concludes the Christmas season. Last Sunday, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we heard the story of the Magi in the gospel of Matthew.

Jesus’ prophetic mission statement in the synagogue is our mission statement, for we are his body in our moment in history.

God, help me not be afraid today, but to see your loving hand directing the events of all life and trusting that these are all gifts, gifts from a loving god who cares for not only me but for all creation.

In deep prayer, we let us open our hearts to God, seeking guidance on how best to respond to the command “Give them some food yourselves.”

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Today, the greatest “gift” for us and our world is Jesus himself, Love personified and shared with all creation.  Nothing is more perfect, or more precious, or more practical, or more important. 

John the Baptist orients us clearly towards Jesus as having primacy in our lives, and as the one to whom we should look to, and learn from.

St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen taught the mystery of Christ’s birth, which we celebrate at Christmas.

We see a mother holding her child and living with the weight of what has been revealed.