From the Pastor - Baptism of the Lord
As we celebrate this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we can study His actions at the Jordan River as a powerful example of servant leadership. We see in Jesus a type of leadership that is characterized by humility and leading by example.
Certainly, the sinless Savior did not need a baptism of repentance! But Jesus humbly made Himself one with his people to draw us to Him and create a relationship with us so that we would be open to His teachings and influence. As a servant leader, we also see that Jesus leads by example. He doesn’t just tell the people they need to be baptized. He shows them how and does it Himself to teach them. To lead like Jesus, we, too, must “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk.” If we want those who we lead to be generous and hard-working, then we must show them how to do this by demonstrating generosity and hard work ourselves.
Immediately after His baptism, we learn of the powerful affirmation of the Father who opens the heavens, sends the Holy Spirit upon Jesus in bodily form, and says audibly, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased.” Let us be filled with gratitude for our amazing God and be reminded that when we are grateful followers of Jesus and servant-leaders in imitation of Him, the Father will be well-pleased with us, too. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2021
Pastoral Pondering – With the Feast of the Lord’s Baptism, the Christmas season comes to a close. Even with the ongoing challenges around us, it has been a time of grace and blessing. As we move into the New Year, there will be new challenges as well as new opportunities, especially new opportunities to deepen our faith by strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ. This is especially true during this Golden Jubilee year for the Diocese of Charlotte, which begins this coming Wednesday. We have been asked, in union with our Bishop, to open the year with a Holy Hour followed by Holy Mass. Hence, this Wednesday the Jubilee Holy Hour will precede our normal 6:30 p.m. Mass and will include time for prayer, meditation and sacred silence. Following Mass, we will continue celebrating with birthday cake. Please join us.