“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3: 1-12
This passage reflects the coming of Jesus through John the Baptist’s promise. This is a constant demonstration of faith and the willingness to know God in a more intimate way. John told the people to repent, for the kingdom of God was at hand. Many came to John to be baptized, but John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees not being truly repentant. These people will not see the kingdom of God. John says, “Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” He then goes on to say that the one who is coming after him is more powerful. Since many people thought John was the messiah, this was a very bold thing to say. It proved John’s unwavering faith and genuine desire to bring others closer to God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (35) tells us that, “Man's faculties make him capable of coming to knowledge of the existence of a personal God. But for man to be able to enter into real intimacy with him, God willed both to reveal himself to man, and to give him the grace of being able to welcome this revelation in faith.” In Matthew 3:1-12, John the Baptist reveals to us that God will soon incarnate himself to all. John says, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” This was possibly the first step of man’s true relationship with God, because it is a promise to know him on a more personal level. When we confess our sins we make our selves completely known to God. This showed John’s capabilities of knowing the one true God, just as we can come to know Him through Baptism. John welcomed his revelation with faith, and it led him to have an understanding of the Almighty.
This passage from Matthew clearly relates to the Hoban Holy Cross core value of “reliance on divine providence.” Just as John the Baptist remained faithful to God’s plan by proclaiming the coming of the true Messiah, so we too remain faithful to God’s will and plan for us. In this core value, we, as God’s children, are called to instruct and teach others around us. We have learned to call upon God in times of need. Although we are chosen by the omnipotent God, we must also live humble lives. John the Baptist clearly displayed these characteristics when he talks about a person whose sandals not even the saintly John is worthy to carry. John even talks about how the man can do John’s lifelong practice of baptizing better than John himself. Although John is known for his profession throughout the land, he is willing to humbly talk less of himself and give ten times more credit to some man he has yet to meet. Through this passage, John strongly ties in the message that God is present and active in our world. Even God can be present in our daily lives, but, when we meet God, it is up to us to recognize Him. How do we rely on God’s love? When given the opportunity to celebrate the sacraments, do we fully engage in the prayer? On Dec. 7th we will have the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. How will we prepare for this celebration of faith? How will we celebrate mass on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception? How will our prayer increase this advent?
Prayer to Divine Providence
O Sweet and Tender Providence of God, into Thy hands I commend my spirit, to Thee I abandon myself, my hopes, my fears, my desires, my repugnancies, my temporal and eternal prospects. To Thee I commit the wants of my perishable body; to Thee I commit the far more precious interests of my immortal soul, for whose interests I have nothing to fear while I withdraw it not from Thy bosom. Though my faults are many, my misery great, my spiritual poverty extreme, my hope in Thee surpasses all. It is greater than my difficulties, stronger than death. Though temptations should assail me, I will hope in Thee, though I should sink beneath my weakness, I will hope in Thee still, though I should break my resolutions a thousand times, I will look to Thee confidently for grace to keep them at last; though Thou should slay me, even then will I trust Thee, for Thou art my God, my Father and my Friend. Thou art my kind, my tender, my indulgent Parent, and I am Thy loving Child, who cast myself into Thy Arms and beg Thy blessing, who put my trust in Thee, and so trusting, shall never be confounded.
Matthew 3: 1-12
This passage reflects the coming of Jesus through John the Baptist’s promise. This is a constant demonstration of faith and the willingness to know God in a more intimate way. John told the people to repent, for the kingdom of God was at hand. Many came to John to be baptized, but John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees not being truly repentant. These people will not see the kingdom of God. John says, “Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” He then goes on to say that the one who is coming after him is more powerful. Since many people thought John was the messiah, this was a very bold thing to say. It proved John’s unwavering faith and genuine desire to bring others closer to God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (35) tells us that, “Man's faculties make him capable of coming to knowledge of the existence of a personal God. But for man to be able to enter into real intimacy with him, God willed both to reveal himself to man, and to give him the grace of being able to welcome this revelation in faith.” In Matthew 3:1-12, John the Baptist reveals to us that God will soon incarnate himself to all. John says, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” This was possibly the first step of man’s true relationship with God, because it is a promise to know him on a more personal level. When we confess our sins we make our selves completely known to God. This showed John’s capabilities of knowing the one true God, just as we can come to know Him through Baptism. John welcomed his revelation with faith, and it led him to have an understanding of the Almighty.
This passage from Matthew clearly relates to the Hoban Holy Cross core value of “reliance on divine providence.” Just as John the Baptist remained faithful to God’s plan by proclaiming the coming of the true Messiah, so we too remain faithful to God’s will and plan for us. In this core value, we, as God’s children, are called to instruct and teach others around us. We have learned to call upon God in times of need. Although we are chosen by the omnipotent God, we must also live humble lives. John the Baptist clearly displayed these characteristics when he talks about a person whose sandals not even the saintly John is worthy to carry. John even talks about how the man can do John’s lifelong practice of baptizing better than John himself. Although John is known for his profession throughout the land, he is willing to humbly talk less of himself and give ten times more credit to some man he has yet to meet. Through this passage, John strongly ties in the message that God is present and active in our world. Even God can be present in our daily lives, but, when we meet God, it is up to us to recognize Him. How do we rely on God’s love? When given the opportunity to celebrate the sacraments, do we fully engage in the prayer? On Dec. 7th we will have the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. How will we prepare for this celebration of faith? How will we celebrate mass on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception? How will our prayer increase this advent?
Prayer to Divine Providence
O Sweet and Tender Providence of God, into Thy hands I commend my spirit, to Thee I abandon myself, my hopes, my fears, my desires, my repugnancies, my temporal and eternal prospects. To Thee I commit the wants of my perishable body; to Thee I commit the far more precious interests of my immortal soul, for whose interests I have nothing to fear while I withdraw it not from Thy bosom. Though my faults are many, my misery great, my spiritual poverty extreme, my hope in Thee surpasses all. It is greater than my difficulties, stronger than death. Though temptations should assail me, I will hope in Thee, though I should sink beneath my weakness, I will hope in Thee still, though I should break my resolutions a thousand times, I will look to Thee confidently for grace to keep them at last; though Thou should slay me, even then will I trust Thee, for Thou art my God, my Father and my Friend. Thou art my kind, my tender, my indulgent Parent, and I am Thy loving Child, who cast myself into Thy Arms and beg Thy blessing, who put my trust in Thee, and so trusting, shall never be confounded.
The message of this blog truly speaks to me. It shows me that we cannot walk around and hide our sins. It is best to repent and accept our misdoings and failures. The way John the Baptist addressed the Pharisees was harsh but appropriate because they were coming to get baptized just to put on a show for others. This shows me we should not pretend to be something we are not. I also really like the prayer for this blog because I think it is appropriate because it really talks about opening oneself up to God who strengthens us. This blog also demonstrates how you must have faith. John had enough faith to preach about the coming of Jesus. It shows that we too must have faith in God and believe he is always with us.
ReplyDeleteI found this passage and blog to be very interesting. It seems so hard to think that a man like John, who ate from locusts and wild honey, could humble himself even more. This passage truly shows the importance of humility and giving credit to God. When I wake up in the morning, I find myself dreading the day instead of thanking God for giving me another day to live. Especially during this winter season, I complain about the weather instead of thanking God for giving me wonderful parents who provide shelter and clothes for me. This passage, like all others, makes me look back on my life and appreciate the things I have. Another thing this passage helps me to do is work on my humility. Even at times when I feel I am sad or frustrated, I think about the things I am grateful for. Looking at this passage reminds me of the people during this Christmas season who have no shelter nor food nor clothes. The next time I complain about something, I will think of this passage and change my attitude.
ReplyDeleteI love this blog because it has things that if we would all do we would make the world a great place. Such a sin, if we would tell of sins instead of denying them then we would live in a great place. Also, sometimes you just have to do what is asked and stop complaining, this blog also states that.
ReplyDeleteP.S. DIG THE PIG!
This blog is very powerful because it tells us that we need to help one another in the world and to treat them as we would want to be treated. Telling someone something that is not true about them would make them feel proud of themselves but really, you have just put that person down. We all need to love one another and to help them out. If someone told you something that was not true about you, you would think that it was but all the other kids that new that they were joking would laugh at you. No one would want that to happen to them so lets all just love one another and care for them.
ReplyDeleteI like this blog, it shows what true repentance is. Basically it says that if you don't repent and repent with truthful intentions then your not going to make it into the Lord's kingdom. I also like John's quote, it is powerful and shows a great meaning to the blog.
ReplyDeleteI like this blog because it tells us to TRULY repent. Having had confession yesterday, I know what it feels like to be completely cleaned of your sins. It feels like a burden is completely and totally lifted from your back when you are TRULY sorry for your sins. People have to be honest with themselves and the Lord about their faults, and pray for guidance to sin no more. Our God is a forgiving, loving God and he will never abandon us. He died for our sins! If you ever have the time, read The Room. It's a poem by Brian Keith Moore. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThe Room
ReplyDeleteby Brian Keith Moore
1980-1997
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked". I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed". The titles ranged from the mundane to the out right weird. "Books I Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 17 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
ReplyDeleteWhen I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
But then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read everyone?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. he looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.
Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
ReplyDelete