THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

The readings at Catholic mass this weekend are all about Baptism and the change it brings.  The gospel of Matthew recounts the coming of Jesus to John in the River Jordan to be baptized.  John said, "Whoa, you are the one who should be baptizing me."  Jesus said, "Go ahead and do it so that the prophesy of Isaiah can be fulfilled."

The first reading is from Isaiah and tells of God's sending His son as a servant of the people to change the people.  It's a beautiful verse if not a song.  Christ came, without fanfare, to change the world.

The second reading is about Peter from the Acts of the Apostles.  Peter preached to the people that after Jesus was Baptized by John, the world changed.  God the Holy Spirit was with Jesus.

The baptism John was performing was on adults who chose to change their ways, to be cleansed from their past sins and vowed not to sin again.  Did they all live a sinless life after that?  No, not a one.  It's one of the great stumbling blocks that people with their egos have to get over.  Accept this!  We are sinful.  God still loves us.  Stick with Him and He will stick with you.
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