THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This week at Catholic mass we hear what amounts to the 'scope' of what is to come.  Here's what I mean.

Last weekend, we celebrated the start of Christ's ministry with the Baptism of Jesus.  We listened to the gospel account written by Matthew.  This weekend, we repeat the same story, this time written by John the Evangelist.  In both accounts, John the Baptist affirms that Jesus was The One, the Son of God, upon whom the Spirit of God had come.  He says that it was Jesus who would baptize all people

The first reading this weekend is again from Isaiah the prophet and again it presages the baptism of Jesus.  But, the passage we read this week takes it to another level.  It tells about how God explained to Isaiah that he (and the one that followed him) was needed for more than just being God's servant in saving the Hebrews -  the 'chosen people'.  The 'one who was to come' would bring the light to 'all' the nations of the world.  This broadens the scope of what is going to happen.  It says the 'church' should be universal...it should be made available to all people.  By extension, it makes believers responsible to carry the 'word' to all those who have not heard it.

It surprised and shocked many people at the time.  It repulses many at this time.  The path is not easy but the goal is fixed. 

Have a blessed weekend.
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