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WSC REFLECTION GUIDE

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 The Lord’s Baptism


Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 January 11, 2009
Acts 10:34-38
Mark 1:7-11

Word: Stewardship of God’s grace is bringing others to Jesus.


Theme: We are stewards of God’s grace when we lead our members to be
faithful servants of Jesus. [Servanthood]
Promise: “Upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the
nations.” (Isaiah 42:2)

Reflection:

Jesus did not find it repugnant to step into the waters in order to receive the baptism of
John, thus classifying himself as a common sinner, although he was the spotless
Lamb of God. He simply wanted to incarnate himself fully into mankind and take upon
himself all the burdens and sins of man, so as to cleanse us from all defilement. Thus,
He sanctified the element of water to make it a generative womb of rebirth in Christian
baptism. In baptism a child is reborn of God, cleansed of all defilement, and given the
Spirit into his heart to impel him towards the same goal that is that of Christ’s. From
that moment on, the heavenly Father looks down and sees his Son in the newly-
baptized babe.

All of us, faithful and true followers of Jesus, are commissioned and empowered by
God to do the work of God. We are called to a life of servanthood that is, serving the
needs of our brothers for Christ. In our Baptism in the Holy Spirit we experienced this
dramatic commissioning and empowerment, feeling and hearing the still, small voice of
God’s Spirit tugging at our heart with an awareness of our call.

But too many are not aware of God’s commission and of the Spirit’s presence within.
Too many do not make the decision to follow Christ totally; we do not surrender all that
we are, and all that we have to Christ. Therefore, we are unaware of the great call and
commission. Too many just never identify with Christ and maybe baptized, but never
follow through with Christ. The world, even our neighbors, and many all our own loved
ones and relatives never even know that we are genuine followers of Christ. Jesus
said, “Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a
servant and as a witness of what you have seen of Me and what I will show you.” (Acts
26:16)

Jesus’ baptism includes God’s approval and encouragement. As Man, Jesus Christ
needed the perfect assurance of God. So much was being required of Him, and He

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was to pay such an enormous price to serve God (Mk 1:9). He needed some clear
indication, some special strength, and some encouragement from God. What God did
was profound: “And a voice was heard from heaven: ‘You are my beloved Son. On
You my favors rest” (Mark 1:11)

What does this mean to us who serve God? God meets the needs of His servants for
assurance. He sees to it that we know His will and he gives assurance that we are
doing His will. He speaks to our hearts and gives signs of approval and
encouragement. He also allows us to see and witness the signs and wonders that
follow those who believed, the lame had walked, and e.g. the blind can see. St. Paul
tells us, “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us
wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Cor 1:30).
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age”
(Mat 28:19-20). Confirming further our promise for this week, “upon whom I have put
my Spirit; He shall bring forth justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:2

Prayer:
My loving Jesus, thank You for assuring me of Your presence and companionship,
thank You for Your everlasting promise, “that You will be with me always. To the very
end of the age,” as I labor in love in Your vineyard. As Your servant, I thank You for all
the signs and wonders that You allowed me to witness in my work of evangelization, in
my work of feeding the hungry, in my visiting the sick and those in prison. Truly, Your
signs and wonders proved Your boundless love for us, and your assurance, that I am
working for a living, and a very loving God! Thank You for allowing me to serve You,
thank You for the extension of my life daily, and thank You for allowing me to see Your
gentle smiles in the smiles of those whom I serve. Amen.

Suggested Personal Reflection Guide:

1. What are the joys and pains that you experience in serving our Mission fields,
(in Parish, Poverty Alleviation, Prison ministry, Healing ministry & in our Gk
Ministry)? Share an experience.
2. Despite the pain and hurts you may have experienced, what made you
continue serving?
3. Share with one another your continuing resolve to serve God in our BLD
Outreaches and Mission fields.
4. Pray for one another, that the Priestly and Religious Vocation may blossom in
our own family, as our offering and surrender to God’s will in our lives as His
servants

Next Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:


January 12, 2009 (Mon): Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9

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January 13, 2009 (Tue): Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2, 5-9; Mk 1:21-28
January 14, 2009 (Wed): Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Mk 1:29-39
January 15, 2009 (Thur): Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45
January 16, 2009 (Fri): Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3-4, 6-8; Mk 2:1-12
January 17, 2009 (Sat): Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17

This Week’s Readings for Year of St. Paul:


Second of St. Paul to the Corinthians Chapters 4 – 6

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible


daily!”

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