Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

“He does not cry out or raise his voice, his voice is not heard in the street; he does not break the crushed reed or snuff the faltering wick. Faithfully he presents fair judgement; he will not grow faint, he will not be crushed until he has established fair judgement on earth, and the coasts and islands are waiting for his instruction.” (Iz 42:2-4).

A really strong man. He does not need to cry out or raise his voice, spread the word on the street, looking for supporters of his version, will not be crushed and will not grow faint. And despite that – everything will be accomplished. Not by force, not because “I am right”. It will be done “because God was with Him” (Act 10:38). God’s will.

God, who is Creator of this world and has all the power over His creation, is acting with us only by His love. If we followed this example, how different the world could be, and especially our family life. Directed by love, compassion, respect, gentleness, gift-of-self (always free, creative and joyful) and seeking the good of my spouse.

Today’s world needs this kind of man and masculinity. Very, very strong. Not by bodybuilding (only), and strong not in order to dominate, but to love as much as God loves us. Not by force, but by gentleness. And bearing in mind the real source of strength: “because God was with Him” (Act 10:38).

With Jesus’s baptism we also can renew our baptism to draw from His love. To be like Him.

“Almighty ever-living God… grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you.” (Collect)