With the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus we have completed the Christmas season. Some news I want to share is that in early December I underwent a long-delayed hernia repair which had to be addressed. This was followed last week by another similar surgery. Both were successful. The enforced sabbatical of the past six weeks has been restful, interesting and prayerful. I will transition back into the office this week but cannot travel for another month or so. Regretfully I am unable to fulfill my usual tour for Catholic Schools’ week. My prayers are with our Catholic schools, Religious Ed programs, RCIA, students, teachers, staffs, parents and co-workers. I will catch up with all of you when I am able.
The celebration of the Baptism of Jesus has significance as we enter another year of faith formation. Recalling the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth and the recognition of Jesus’ presence by John the Baptist through the Holy Spirit (leaping with joy in the womb), there is poignance in this scene of Jesus’ baptism and initiation. How might John feel as he pours water over Jesus, seeing the heavens open and hearing the same Holy Spirit speak to his cousin, “You are my Son, in You I am well pleased.”? Would John feel a validation of their earlier encounter while yet unborn? What of John’s recognition that this same Spirit speaking from the heavens has given him authority to announce to the world, “Behold, this is the Lamb of God!”
"The celebration of the Baptism of Jesus has significance as we enter another year of faith formation."
The child we have encountered looks to us now for this same proclamation. Reborn in baptism, we are awakened and are given that authority. Liturgically, we join Jesus’ initiation and formation as he begins his public ministry. Our religious experience is bound to a growing formation in the mysteries to unfold throughout this journey. How shall we grow, what shall we learn, how may we proclaim the Good News in the year to come?
The Gospel this Sunday presents Jesus and Mary together at the marriage feast at Cana. Out of the humiliation of a wedding party, we see the first great miracle of transformation: water into wine. Jesus Incarnate joins the human family, saving the day but more importantly beginning the preparation and formation for, miracle of miracles, the transubstantiation of bread and wine into His body and blood. The sacrament of the human family is confirmed and the wedding feast foretold. Still there is far to go in faith formation for the greatest Mystery of all, God’s eternal sacrifice of His Son for our salvation.
"Out of the humiliation of a wedding party, we see the first great miracle of transformation: water into wine."
The Eucharistic Revival begun three years ago continues unabated in new energy as God wills it. The year ahead is to be a renewal of that formation. It is not enough for Jesus to watch and encourage us from afar. He wants to be our guest, our companion, friend, our food and drink. We have received the same Spirit which inspired Mary, John, the bystanders along the way, the saints joined to the heavenly chorus. Let this year be a year of courage and hope, that the Lord may be seen anew, grown in hearts unclaimed, and proclaimed by each one of us.
Jesus Christ is Lord!
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
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