The Example Sent to Us

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 6:44 pm Post subject: The Example Sent to Us

The Example Sent to Us

Scripture:

Behold my servant, I will uphold him: my elect, my soul delights in him: I have given my spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor have respect to person, neither shall his voice be heard abroad. The bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not be sad, nor troublesome, till he set judgment in the earth: and the islands shall wait for his law.

I the Lord have called you in justice, and taken you by the hand, and preserved you. And I have given you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles: That you might open the eyes of the blind, and bring forth the prisoner out of prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7)

And Peter opening his mouth, said: In very deed I perceive, that God is not a respecter of persons. But in every nation, he that fears him, and works justice, is acceptable to him.

God sent the word to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all.) You know the word which has been published through all Judea: for it began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached, Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit, and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ( Acts 10:34-38 )

Then comes Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him. But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by you, and come you to me? And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becomes us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him. And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
(Matthew 3:13-17)

Reflection:

The prophesies spoke of the Messiah and many waited in anticipation for His coming. One was born to herald His way; a voice which cried out in the wilderness. (cf. Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3) Those who heard came forward and found salvation, though, in the moment they did not fully understand or truly comprehend. Blessed were those who witnessed, for in the moment of Baptism of the One who was not in need of its cleansing, they observed the will of God as an example for the generations to follow. In that moment, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were before those who saw and heard. One God, in three persons, transcending heaven and earth.

In the sequence of time, there are many moments; like raindrops in a pond, ripples spread which intersect and influence the stillness as well as the ripples which spread from the drops which surround them. Most of the events of time, we do not observe, but that does not mean they do not touch us. We cannot know all of history, but what transpires before us influences that which surrounds us and yields the environment in which we must make our decisions. What was done before us yields the environment for our future, but so too, do our past choices as they ripple through our lives and those who surround us. Many such events may seem to have little meaning, but then, there are defining moments about which we must reflect and discern as to their significance to our experience, our choices, and what we shall choose.

From the time we were formed in the womb, we sensed our environment and endeavored to make sense of that which surrounds us. Our learning of simple concepts allowed us to understand that which is more complex. As we learn, we advance in our understanding as we build from the foundations of our past and the pasts of those before us as well as those who surround us. Indeed, in similar fashion to those who preceded us, the choices of our generation shall ripple and influence those which come after us.

Scripture records many defining moments; moments meant as examples to us, moments which reflect the choices made before us, moments of good or evil, moments from which we must discern their connotation as to what they reveal about the paths which are before us and our choices as to the path we are called to follow.

Because we do not see as God sees, then, we require a guide to the path to which God calls us. For this reason, God sent His only begotten Son to the world, not only as One to point the way, but also as an example so that we are better enabled to navigate the ripples of life. He is the Light to all which is good, to all which is truth, and to all which is right and just. Let us, then, study His life, His example, and all which He teaches so we may discern how we may join to fulfill the will of God and share in the blessings He desires for the children of His creation.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we experience God forming us, leading us, and opening our spiritual eyes?

In what ways do we seek to do the will of God?

In what ways do we seek to follow the example of Jesus so we may also help to fulfill all righteousness?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier