Reflection for Sunday – January 11, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17 
Preacher: Patricia Young

In the Scriptures for today, the Baptism of our Lord, which brings to a close the Christmas season, we encounter a grown-up Jesus. And what an introduction it is! In the first of Isaiah’s Servant Songs, Jesus bursts onto the scene, as the chosen one, anointed with God’s Spirit, who will “bring forth justice to the nations.” Indeed, “establish justice on the whole earth.” 

What balm to the beleaguered heart who watches, horrified, as reports unfold on our television screens, scenes of appalling infringements of human rights, daily assaults on human dignity and worth.

How can we respond? What are followers of Christ, this Servant Son, to do? Hang on! There’s more!

In the next frame, we see that Peter’s realization that the Son of Justice has come for all humanity as the Spirit comes down upon Cornelius and his whole family. And they receive baptism into Jesus.

In the final frame, we witness Jesus’ humble acceptance of John’s baptism of repentance act as a catalyst for God’s dramatic public affirmation of Jesus’ identity as God’s son. Endowed by the Spirit with all the gifts essential to the work of justice. What a powerful send-off to Jesus’ public ministry!

But the best part comes when Jesus’ anointing is shared with his human family. A new covenant through baptism by the Spirit and fire – which renders human beings new creations. Beloved sons and daughters of God. Sharing Jesus’ own “Abba” relationship with our Creator, made one in the Spirit with Jesus’ body, the Church. Called to the Servant Son’s saving work of justice. In this Body we are not only recipients of God’s love, but meant to be instruments of God’s love, as well.

And so, as instruments of God’s love, baptized with the Spirit and fire. Made priests – interceding for God with God’s people. Prophets – bearing God’s words to the world. And rulers – establishing God’s kingdom of love and justice among the nations.

How do we respond the the egregious violations of human rights throughout the world? To the demonization of whole populations in our own back yard?

Do we respond with tit-for-tat? With ego-satisfying reciprocal name calling? With violence in our hearts, even if not in our actions? Ah! But the Servant Son does not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoldering wick. Can we who believe that we are called by the Servant Jesus to be instruments in God’s work of bringing Justice must do it in the Spirit’s way?

And so we pray: Lord, lead kindly light. Fill us with your Spirit and fire.

When we see the attempts to curtail the right to vote by any means, including redistricting, so that voices of certain populations no longer count. Can we pray lead kindly light. Fill us with your Spirit and fire.

When we see unarmed people, helpless in the water, shot without mercy. Can we pray lead, kindly light. Fill us with your fire.

When we see people grabbed on our streets, or even in our courts – in the very act of compliance with our immigration rules. Applying for their legal rights. Deported and incarcerated. In infamous foreign jails. Sent to out of the way isolated detention centers. Can we pray lead, kindly light. Fill us with your Spirit and fire.

When I heard of a young immigrant child in a local school, already traumatized by his long journey here. Who told his classmate that his worst nightmare was “That ICE would come to my school, and my teacher would have to hide me.” “Lead, kindly light. Fill us with your Spirit and fire.

Yes, we can! In the name of the Servant Jesus! We can pray, as we continue the works of mercy. And we can march! We can rally! We can barrage those in power with letters. We can do the research and expose the lies!

And we can sing with those who came before us, because we know that the Servant Jesus has already won the victory. “We shall overcome some day!”

Calling herself a perennial student, Patricia (Pat) Young holds an MA in systematic theology from St Bernard’s and an MA in Spanish from Middlebury College.

She has served as lector in multiple parishes, been a founding member of the adult education programs at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and of their Grieving Ministry, which she led for many years.