Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Scripture
John 1: 29-34

Devotion
This Gospel reading tells about the moment when John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus, the sin-bearer, had finally arrived.
What did this declaration mean? One thing it meant was that Jesus was the one who John the Baptist had pointed to all along: "...the reason why I came baptizing with water," says John, "was that he might be made known to Israel." And it also meant that this one is the Holy Spirit, he is the Son of GOD, the Messiah!
What a relief this must have been for the John the Baptist when Jesus finally appeared. This meant John's work was nearly completed. But what a burden Jesus must have felt as his mission came upon his shoulders in the form of a light-weight dove. I wonder if Jesus really believed that the dove symbolized peace. We know that Jesus would know little peace in his short life. He must have felt sad to realize that his sacrifices would be appreciated by so few...that many cared little or hated him for it.
We spend most of our lives working, helping, and caring for those who may not appreciate our actions, such as our children, family, or co-workers. These people may not fully understand our sacrifices until much later, for example, when our children become parents themselves. Our love for them makes it all worthwhile...even if we have to be patient and wait for the appreciation to grow.

Prayer
Lord, help us to grow in your ways. Amen.