January 13, Baptism of the Lord

The Lord will bless his people with peace.--Psalm 29:11

Mass readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 / Acts 10:34-38 / Matthew 3:13-17

Beloved

In today's Gospel, Jesus stands on the threshold of His public ministry. It will be tough going-- He will be rejected, ridiculed, betrayed, denied, beaten, and finally, crucified on a criminal's cross. How will He get through it? The Father's affirmation is at the core of the Son's source of strength. He can endure anything because in the Father's own words, heard in today's third reading, ''This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.''

We are God's beloved sons and daughters (also see Rom 8:16). You are the Heavenly Father's beloved child. Beloved. Always have been. Always will be. Yes, your own hard times have come, may be here right now, will come again, but--as you follow the Son through it all--God is well pleased with you, too.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your beloved child.