Baptized For Mission

13 Jan

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.  (Is 42:6-7)

Our bishop, Bishop Melczek, is fond of saying that we are “baptized for mission”.  That is, by the virtue of our baptism, we are called to continue Christ’s work in this world of ours.

Isaiah spoke about that same thing in today’s first reading.

We were formed to be a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

However, we can only accomplish that if we are free ourselves.

If we enslave ourselves to sin, we live in darkness and not in the light.  If that is the case, we cannot be a beacon for anyone.

Let Christ set you free, that you may be that light for others!

FAITH ACTION:  In prayerful gratitude to God, renew your baptismal promises in prayer this day:

+ Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.

+ And all his works?
R. I do.

+ And all his empty promises?
R. I do.

+ Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.

+ Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.

God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.