Today wraps up the Christmas season. We move back into ordinary time tomorrow.  I feel somewhat sad to say goodbye this year. My tree is down, but my twinkle lights remain. I will soon pack up the Magi and the Holy Family. I will miss their presence in my living room.

Today we read the beautiful story of the baptism of Jesus, where a voice from heaven announces, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We see John hesitant to perform the baptism but Jesus encourages him to do it in order to fulfill the plan. How many times are we reluctant to do something and then upon prayer and discernment, step out and do it for the greater good? How often do we need reassurance that God calls us beloved too and has great plans for us if only we trust?

Today I facilitated a retreat for a small church group that I greatly admire. They are once again struggling and I suspect I planted a few seeds of hope for them. There were a few tears and a sense of uncertainty regarding the future of this church but still I was blessed by how they persevere both personally and as an organization. We sometimes do not see our own ability to bless because as the beloved God will work in ways that are much needed in order to heal the world. In the first reading from Isaiah, the Lord says, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” God likes to recognize the people who are God’s chosen. God loves to delight in us. Today I saw that in this small group. What an honour to watch!

If you could name one thing that you do that brings God delight, what would it be?

Peace,

Suzanne