Monday, January 6, 2014

Monday, January 6, 2014

St. Matthew 12: 14 - 21

            One of the realities of the Gospel story of the ministry of Jesus

is that not all who heard his preaching and teaching welcomed his message

or his ministry.

            After years had passed by, the Gospel writers looked to prophetic proclamations to

provide a framework for people to examine Jesus' words and actions. In the moment, however,

as people witnessed the ministry of Jesus,  they found it difficult to value and appreciate

his words, because they found their own life patterns were under scrutiny.

            In our own day and age, the ministry of Jesus causes us to examine and reflect

on our own life priorities. Like those who listened and watched Jesus, we may find

our own lives placed under a self imposed scrutiny. We need to remember that in some

parts of our global village, to be a follower of Jesus, today,  is to be placed in a position of

extreme danger.

            The Baptismal Covenant upon which we are called to build our lives,  

reminds us of the opportunity to repent and return to the Lord. This is not a one time only

event. In the words of the Book of Common Prayer, we need to always be mindful of, "...the

message of pardon and absolution contained in the Gospel of our Saviour, and the need

which all Christians continually have, of a renewal of their repentance and faith." ( BCP p. 612)

            As the new year of 2014 unfolds before us, we have the opportunity to

respond anew to the call to follow Jesus and to be renewed in our faith.  

-Canon Christopher Pratt