Second Sunday of the Year

Thomas Merton said, "If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for." This intimate question can be terrifying. It forces each of us to articulate our deepest values. Today we are invited by the gospel to join with Merton and ask ourselves what and for whom we live? What do we long for?

The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus – God’s manifestation in Jesus and ourselves

A South African TV advertisement, some years ago, began with a quiet voice saying: ‘If you want to catch someone’s attention, whisper!’ Jesus’ baptism was a rather quiet affair – not something dramatic. According to Matthew, only Jesus saw the dove and heard the voice, and immediately was led into seclusion and isolation in the wilderness. The other readings also point to the power of quiet proclamation in word and action. Those of us who follow Jesus and seek to influence others in the area of justice and love might remember this where we proclaim the Good News by lives of gently lived justice as well as challenging words.

Manifestation of Jesus to the Peoples of all Nations

In any journey worth taking there is often some uncertainty. The journey of the Magi was one of uncertainty and discovery. Isaiah today says, ‘the darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples.’ and something is needed to pierce the darkness. It can happen when people have the courage to look and see and go beyond the familiar and comfortable to discover a presence not seen before.