Building a Lifestyle or a Life?

A Reflection on the Gospel for January 10th, 2021:
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

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Mark
1.7-11 

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

In his preaching he proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

What would have happened if John the Baptist didn’t herald Christ’s coming? What if while living in the wilderness he decided he’d had enough of locusts and wild honey and wearing itchy camel hair shirts? Doesn’t sound like a lifestyle I would say yes to. After all, we choose how we live our lives. Don’t we? Yet if I choose God, my “lifestyle” is something that is chosen for me. In accepting God, I become part of God’s plan. When I choose the life that God has uniquely dreamt for me, then how I live is about much more than me and my choices. It’s about God and the goodness with which He desires to bless me and our world. The way in which I live my life (or don’t) affects other lives. Like John the Baptist I must do my part. My part is to know our God and have faith and trust in His plan.


“During this new year I resolve to begin a new life. I do not know what will happen to me during this year, but I abandon myself entirely to you, my God.”


I recently came across this quote/prayer from Saint Gemma Galgani. I didn’t know who she was prior to reading this quote. I learned she was a late 18th century Italian mystic who struggled with her health all her life but knew, even from a young age, that God had a plan for her. She saw visions and often spoke directly to her guardian angel, Jesus, and Mary. Because of this she was often ridiculed and questioned. However, over and over she chose to be a part of God’s plan.


John, Jesus, you, me, and so many others have a role to play in that plan. As a planner, it is a daily struggle for me to not ask/tell God: “How about we try my plan today? I’ve done all the research, made all the calls, double checked all the stats. I got this!” Yes, I often hear God laughing. But I want to avoid all the hard stuff! The pain and suffering; the uncertainty and challenges. However, for all my planning, I did not know what 2020 would bring. Nor can anyone say with 100% certainly what 2021 will bring. What I can do is bring forward my hopes, my dreams, my faith — knowing that God has a plan — and my job is to work towards that plan by listening and watching for Him; seeking and seeing Him in the midst of this often nonsensical world.  


John the Baptist, Saint Gemma (All saints!), and even Jesus faced the harsh realities of earthly life. Still, they continued to choose God. Through their witness and that of many others, I can choose the same. In so doing, I gain so much more than a lifestyle. I gain Life. God does not ask me to build a lifestyle. God calls me to build a life with and for Him and His Kingdom.




Aurea Sadi

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