Receive the Gift
The Baptism of the Lord
“The Lord will bless his people with peace.”Ps. 29
Many baptized individuals today have the gift but have yet to open it. Were they baptized? Yes, but no. They received it physically, but they do not yet benefit from it because they have not unwrapped the gift. As a result, they do not know what it contains, cannot enjoy it, and cannot even value it, as they do not realize what they are missing.
When is the gift unwrapped? The gift is unwrapped the day we discover the treasure of the living God through faith. On that day, we open ourselves to the richness of divine revelation—the God who is with us. It is the day we begin to believe because only then can we know God and everything He gives us, including the truths of faith. That day, we transition from darkness to light, from ignorance to the knowledge of truth, completely transforming our understanding of existence and how we live life.
This does not happen by chance, out of nowhere, or as a miracle. It often occurs during a retreat, as a result of the preaching of God’s word and the fruit of listening (cf. Romans 10:14ff). It is the only way for light to enter our minds so God can open our understanding to know and comprehend Him.
In this way, we discover the treasure we received in baptism, communion, and confirmation -the God-with-us. Often, childhood catechesis is not enough because, as children, we do not fully appreciate spiritual or intellectual matters. We are more focused on what we see, touch, and feel, giving less importance to the things of God and failing to value them properly.
This issue is exacerbated when children are exposed to the messages (indoctrination) of the pagan world we live in, through media that exclude God, or if they mention Him, it is only to mock or misrepresent Him with biased atheist perspectives. Therefore, it is essential that, with greater maturity as young people and adults, we revisit the preaching and arguments of faith to counter the atheist narratives of those who reject the light and want nothing to do with God.
It is recommended that everyone engage in a continuous search for truth. Even those who have already unwrapped the gift, have faith, and experience the living God and His fruits in their lives can grow in knowledge and live more fully, striving for the holiness the Lord desires in all of us.
All the more reason for those who have not yet discovered Him —those who still consider Him irrelevant, rarely think of Him, or only remember Him enough to attend Sunday Mass— seek Him. These individuals have yet to make God their King and Lord, their Good Shepherd who liberates and guides them. He offers the treasure of being children of God, empowering them to value everything else justly, according to God’s will, without falling into idolatry or sinful attachments.
Weekly Readings
Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30 (1)/Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Monday: Heb 1:1-6/Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9/Mk 1:14-20
Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12/Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9/ Mk 1:21-28
Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9/Mk 1:29-39
Thursday: Heb 3:7-14/Ps 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11/Mk 1:40-45
Friday: Heb 4:1-5, 11/Ps 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8/Mk 2:1-12
Saturday: Heb 4:12-16/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15/Mk 2:13-17
Next Sunday: Is 62:1-5/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10 (3)/1 Cor 12:4-11/ Jn 2:1-11
Observances for the Week
Sunday: The Baptism of the Lord
Monday: St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Friday: St. Anthony, Abbot
Saturday: January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Next Sunday: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time