10 January 2021 The Baptism of the Lord

Seek the Lord while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake their way,   and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
Isaiah 55:1-11, NRSV

In today’s lengthy passage from Isaiah we hear a poem with powerful language that many contemporary worship songs are inspired by. It was written for the people of Israel in exile for over two generations but about to liberated and allowed to return home. The poem begins with an invitation to a feast with free food and drink. These words must have held great appeal for a people who struggled daily just to survive. Then Isaiah moves on to talk about the importance of being witnesses for God. The final part of the poem gives us more of an idea of how we are to give witness to God. Isaiah speaks of the need for repentance and change in people’s lives. This was what John the Baptist preached when he called people to Baptism. Jesus himself received this Baptism of repentance even though he was without sin. In doing so, Jesus shows us how closely he identifies with humanity and encourages us to be willing to change our ways and return to God.

• • Why does call on the people to repent and change their ways? 
  • What does God call you to repent for?

Reflect today on the gift of your own Baptism and how this influences your life.

Image – The Baptism of Christ by Verrochio and Leonardo – Wickimedia