We are already almost half-way through January, and the Christmas Season is over. Christmas is collected and stored away (for the most part) and we have entered Ordinary (counted) Time. I don’t know about you, but I feel I need more shoring up and support at this time and if you feel the same, the scripture for this weekend (the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time) may help us all.
The First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah reminds us that we are formed by God; “formed…as the servant from the womb…glorious…God is now my strength!” This helps, as it reminds me that I am God’s and here to do His will (look at today’s psalm!)—and that God will help me in all holy endeavors. Holy endeavors: working to be the best me that God created me to be in all the ways that matter to God. That helps as I already struggle with all the many physical, mental and spiritual resolutions I have made for myself.
How are your New Year resolutions going? Have you made a spiritual resolution for a more holy life?
Saint Paul reminds us and the Corinthians today that we are called to be holy with all those everywhere who call upon the name of Jesus. In the Gospel of John today, we hear John the Baptist witness (testify) to Jesus as our Savior, something you can do also, by your life and your everyday decisions and priorities (and resolutions).
There is a poem by the poet Ella Wheeler Wilcow that begins:
One ship drives east and another drives west,
With the self-same winds that blow:
‘Tis the set of the sails and not the gales,
Which tells us the way to go.
I encourage you as I do my own self, to reflect on what drives you and your choices. Which way are your sails set? A blessing of our belief in God is that we are forgiven our sins and short-comings: if you make a not-productive choice today, there is the next moment to choose more wisely. (Thank you, God!) The psalm today says: “God stooped toward me and heard my cry, He put a new song into my mouth…a hymn to our God.” Sing a New Song with your life, your resolutions and your choices.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc