Scripture Reflection for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 16, 2005
Last week we learned we are called to greatness through baptism. Today's three-part Scripture readings hold suggestions on how this is done…and maybe even an invitation. Are we ready to R.S.V.P.?
Jesus says, "I Want You!"
When I scanned the first reading I didn't get much from it, so I said a quick prayer for enlightenment and reread it slowly. I wanted to know what Isaiah was trying to say.
Isaiah proudly proclaims that he does the work God assigned to him while he was still in the womb. The prophet also says God wanted him to be more than a servant so He could make Isaiah "a light to the nations." (Might "nations" also mean other religions, peoples, and cultures?) So, not only did the Lord call him into service, He expected him to do great things and to be an example for generations to come.
In this passage, Jesus tells Isaiah, "You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory." If the name "Israel" also applies to the Church, to Christians, to me, to you, then this reading means we are the vessels through which God chooses to reveal His glory! We are divine in His sight when we lean on His strength instead of our own. Only then can we accomplish great things.
Like Isaiah, we might also be called from birth; given a vocation. And when we heed that calling, we will be given the reward of the faithful and righteous.
Those Guys Wore Army Boots!
Once we realize that we are at the least God's servants, then we can map out a strategy for our advancement through the ranks. Sure, this might entail added responsibilities, more work and hardships, but the rewards increase proportionally also. Isn't a decorated bird colonel with a long track record of accomplishments more respected than a mere recruit in boot camp?
The second reading gives us the mighty example of the apostle Paul to emulate. He was drafted into holy service and obeyed. Paul wasn't content to just follow orders either; he went out among the people and recruited for Christ. Can we say the same for ourselves?
Are We A.W.O.L?
Today's gospel also shows that we are all called to serve. John the Baptist recalls when he said of Jesus, "A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me." Jesus showed John the way to follow in His footsteps. Not only did John follow, he baptized many along the way. John knew his duties and carried them out fully. He also "signed up" many more followers by performing the first sacrament for them.
I wonder -- if I'd been alive during the early Christian period if I'd have listened so well to my Commander in Chief? More than likely, considering that it meant leaving home and hearth, becoming an outcast, and having to convince others to join up too, I'd have stayed home or gone A.W.O.L. (Absent Without Leave) after a short stint. Surely I wouldn't have seen myself as a servant, a prophet, an apostle, a disciple, or a baptiser.
Maybe Isaiah, Paul and John didn't envision themselves as fit to serve either. Perhaps they realized that only through God's strength and Jesus' example could they go above and beyond the call of duty. And isn't it still the same today? There are many jobs in God's army, from highly decorated leadership positions to the most inexperienced grunts. But we'll only know which uniform fits when we've registered for the draft.
A Final Word from Norman Schwarzkopf
"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."
Life Applications:
In what ways can we be recruits or officers in God's army?
When God calls, do we answer, "Here I am, Lord?"
Think of Christian leaders and saints you admire. How can you be more like them?
Copyright 2005 by Angie Ledbetter
All rights reserved.
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