In the ancient world, water symbolized chaos and death, something dangerous, unpredictable, and overwhelming. On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jesus steps directly into those waters.
He enters into chaos, into death itself, and transforms it. This is what Jesus always does: He enters the places we’re afraid of and begins the work of redemption. Whatever chaos we carry may it be sickness, trauma, fear, or loss, Jesus wants to enter it with us. All we have to do is invite Him in. That’s where healing begins.
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Uncomfortable for Jesus
So Jesus sounds like Yoda for this Sunday’s gospel. He says the foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the son of man has nowhere to lay His head. It sounds cryptic. What Jesus is not saying has anything to do with Airbnb accommodations, but the part of Jesus’ heart that he is sharing with us is that when it comes to following him, sometimes we have to be uncomfortable. I’m very awkward. I have no power…
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Obedience Vs. Disobedience
So, the word “obey” has developed a negative connotation. When we are called to obey someone, it’s cringe. But “obey” comes from a Latin word which means to listen to. For example, when we obey the Lord, we listen to Him and what the heart of Jesus desires. In the gospel for this Sunday, Jesus asks the leper to obey. He says, “Do not tell anyone about this.” And what does the leper do? He disobeys. And so the…
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The Holy Name of Jesus
So, the coat of arms in my archdiocese is epic. It shows a phoenix, which is a symbol of resurrection. And on the chest of the phoenix is the IHS, which is the holy name of Jesus. And so, in the first reading for this Sunday, Saint Peter, our first pope, heals a man by the holy name of Jesus. He can heal because of his name because Jesus’ name is mighty. In the Old Testament…
