January 5, 2026
I am fortunate enough this week to be preparing the liturgy for the ‘Baptism of the Lord’ and it refreshes me for so many reasons… the fact that I said “refreshes” was a pun I had not intended and cracks me up. But when you get down to it, it’s really all about being human…
In praying on the readings, I am reminded how humble Jesus was to “BE” baptized; to be fully human and exposed. He did not need to be washed away of any sin, yet He went into the river to become one with us. As a parent, I can only imagine the moment that his father looked down on him and the emotion that must have come over an ever-loving God to say, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased”. Every time we make a decision to be one with Him, I believe God has the same smile and look for us because He is pleased.
Each one of us has a purpose that we are asked to fulfill through this expedition called life; notice I said “asked” and not “have to”. It is put in front of us, and we must initiate action because we were given free will at birth. Do we take time each day to notice that the hurdles are there so we can build an appreciation and basis for what we are to accomplish or receive? In my own life I would NEVER be where I am today without being knocked down (dare I say knocked out) by God so He could help me back up to see my role more clearly. Jesus came to fulfill a purpose for us all but still had to journey as a human being to show us that He knew the same victories and the trials that we would endure.
You always have the choice to view the cup as” half empty” or “half full”, and when you are filled with faith, we truly realize that everything has a meaning. Do not be discouraged by the failures of our own imperfections, move forward and make your mistakes with pride so you can carry out God’s objectives for you. Don’t forget that it is okay to be “human” as long as we grow along the way and come back to the waters when we need to be made whole again. Make a point today to go out and make a difference or stop for a while to give thanks through understanding and allow Him to look down and say, “This is my child in whom I am well pleased”.
“I gotta stop when you call my name, and draw near, come to the waters again; be still and know you’re my God, be still and listen.” ~ from the song ‘Be Still’ by Josh Blakesley
Posted by Greg Wasinski
