***
Gospel: Mark 1: 7-11
This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
This might sound a bit strange, but close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Keep your eyes closed, and exhale.
***
I want you to imagine you’re standing in the middle of a river.
You know this river has a beginning and an end, but you’re not at either place; you’re standing somewhere in between.
Listen to the water trickle, flowing peacefully downstream.
If you follow the current, you’ll see a series of twists and turns in the river’s path.
In spite of the twists, the turns, the rocks, and the brush, the river finds a way to flow forward, never stopping until it reaches its final destination.
***
If your eyes are still closed, now open them.
***
Perhaps this image of a river is an appropriate image for our own lives.
Like that river, we’re neither at the beginning nor the end; we’re all standing somewhere in between.
And in spite of the many obstacles we face – the twists, the turns, the rocks, the brush – we, too, must find a way to move forward.
So, what are the rocks in my river, the obstacles in my path?
***
Perhaps it’s the stress caused by COVID; unemployment; difficulties in marriage; grief; or uncertainty about the future.
When life is difficult – when we run up against a rock – who do we turn to?
Perhaps we rely upon ourselves, a trusted friend, or a spouse.
More importantly, do we also rely upon God?
***
In the Gospel, Jesus has reached one of the most important turns in the river of his life.
Ninety percent of his life has already been written, spent quietly in Nazareth. But now everything is changing.
Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry. After performing a miracle or two, he’ll become a type of celebrity, having to wrestle with all the temptations that come along with being desired.
In order to successfully navigate the remaining twists and turns of his life, Jesus knows he must continue turning to his heavenly Father daily for strength.
Immediately after his baptism, Jesus retreats into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, preparing his mind and heart for the turns ahead.
The Gospels continue to paint a picture of a prayerful Jesus until the very end of his life, when from the Cross he cries out, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”
***
***
Herein lies an important reminder for us: If Jesus prayed daily throughout the river of his life, then how much more should we?
***
Too often prayer can be written off as something that only priests, nuns, or “holy” people do. But Jesus says, “I have given all of you an example to follow.”
For example, when grief strikes, we must pray. When we question our future, we must pray. When we need wisdom, we must pray. When a door opens or a door closes, we must pray.
Prayer – and when possible, Eucharist – is our daily bread.
***
So, what is my prayer life like?
Is it strong and deep like a river? Shallower like a stream? Or, even dried up like a creek in the sun?
***
It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution: to spend more time with God.
***
Each person’s prayer life will be different.
For example, I pray for an hour every morning. I light a tea candle, put on soft music, and begin sharing my heart with the Lord – whatever needs or concerns I have for that day.
With what time is left, I either journal, write an entry for my blog, pray the Psalms, or just sit in silence.
Most adults don’t have that kind of time. But you can do something similar: journal; pray the rosary; sit in silence; read the bible or even the “God minute” I post daily online.
That’s all prayer is: sharing our heart with our Father.
The result should always be the same. Prayer deepens our sense of inner peace, it softens our heart towards God and our neighbor, and it enlightens the path before us.
***
We’ve now reached 2021, another bend in the river of our lives. Though we don’t know what lies ahead, we do know that our heavenly Father will guide us, just as he guided Jesus.
Perhaps it’s appropriate, then, to end with a prayer. Take another deep breath and close your eyes once again:
Heavenly Father, we come before you this morning seeking your strength, guidance, and peace in 2021. The river of life is full of obstacles – brush, twigs, and rocks – that challenge our path. Soften our hearts to your will. Guide us through the many twists and turns that lie ahead, just as you guided your Son, Jesus, so that one day we may join Him and all who’ve flowed before us into your kingdom, where you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
