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Isaiah 42:1-9
Followers of the tradition of Jainism do not believe in harming any living thing. Jainism numbers about 4.2 million followers, most of whom live in India, and the religion is a subset of Hinduism. One of the key beliefs of Jains is called ahimsa. The word "ahimsa" literally means "no violence" or "to do no harm." While most Hindus follow ahimsa, Jains take the concept to the extreme. Jains are vegetarian, although they will not eat some plant-based foods whose cultivation would cause harm to insects, worms, or other plants. Some Jains wear veils so that they do not accidentally breathe in and kill small insects. Hunting and rituals involving sacrifice are prohibited. They would likely applaud the words in Isaiah's text: "a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench."
Leah T.
Isaiah 42:1-9
Actress Ann Julian's struggle with cancer and her resulting double mastectomy has been much publicized. The inducement for Ann's openness was to encourage and support others who are enduring a similar ailment. Ann's husband, Andy, extends the same sympathy to the public. His sentiment is best expressed in a comment he made after viewing President Reagan on television. The newscast showed the president lugging a potted plant to his wife Nancy, a patient at Bethesda Naval Hospital who also had a mastectomy. Observing Ronald Reagan's concern for his beloved spouse, Andy concurred, "I felt sorry for him simply a guy, just like you and me. He may be the President of the United States, but at that moment he was a husband worried about his wife."
Often there is a single line of scripture that captures one's heart. The line has the most significance when placed in the context of the entire text in which it was printed, but often we like to lift it out, allow it to live singularly, as our own testimony of faith and hope. One special line that speaks to everyone who is experiencing some form of anguish or difficulty is Isaiah 42:6, "I will take hold of your hand."
On this liturgical day when we celebrate the baptism of Jesus this line, which is part of our lectionary reading, has even more significance. God blessed his Son with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, as a dove, came down from heaven and rested gently upon Jesus' shoulder. In essence, God held the hand of Jesus.
So, as Andy observed, be we president or commoner, we all seek the same comforting presence from the Lord and others.
Ron L.
Acts 10:34-43
In chemistry, catalysts are substances that help trigger a chemical reaction. For example, manganese dioxide helps separate hydrogen peroxide molecules into oxygen and water. While they are not used up in the reaction, necessarily, they are crucial to the reaction taking place. In history, catalysts are often smaller events that trigger major ones, such as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggering the start of World War I.
As we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, it is interesting to note that in Peter's description of Jesus' ministry, he starts with this event. It was God anointing Jesus "with the Holy Spirit and with power" (v. 38) that started the whole chain of events that changed history. Without the Holy Spirit coming down that day, Jesus may never have started his ministry. At that moment at the Jordan River, onlookers witnessed the ultimate spiritual catalyst.
Craig K.
Matthew 3:13-17
Cecil B. DeMille said the most memorable moment of his career was filming the crucifixion scene for the movie, The King of Kings. During a mob sequence, the multitude of cast members and extras gathered on the side of a bare, ugly hill before three, stark crosses screaming "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Suddenly, DeMille was uncomfortable with the actions before him, for the scene was being filmed on December 24. The producer was telling the story of Jesus' death on the eve of his birth. Troubled, DeMille called for five minutes of silent prayer so that all could honor the Christ. Looking over the crowd he realized he had done a foolish thing; for, the actors and actresses would just use the time to drink, smoke, and engage in cheap talk. Annoyed, DeMille bowed his head in prayer. Shortly he heard a few voices, then more, soon all joined in one chorus: "It came upon a midnight clear, the glorious song of old," DeMille looked up to see the entire cast and crew on their knees, bowing before the cross of Christ, singing a carol.
I am sure this scene is very similar to the one experienced by the people who stood and watched as Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The authorities would have questioned the motives of the people who were attending and the purpose of the ritual. Then, when Jesus was immersed into the water and arose, it became a scene from a Cecil B. DeMille movie. This is exceptionally true with the description offered by Matthew, "At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' " And everyone present, I am sure, bowed in solemn gratitude while singing a hymn of thanksgiving.
Ron L.
Matthew 3:13-17
Sometimes we meet our equals -- or our superiors -- in situations where we'd rather not. Perhaps a child is more intelligent than his or her parents. Perhaps a student is more ambitious and insightful than his or her teacher. Sometimes we meet people who we are supposed to teach -- and yet we are sure that there is more that they can teach us than we can teach them. This is the situation for John the Baptist when Jesus comes to him and asks for baptism. John is not worthy. And yet, someone has to baptize the Lord. Someone has to be a teacher and role model for that precocious child or genius student. Although we may not be smarter or more worthy than those we teach, we can strive to show a good example and to do our very best. Even those with great intelligence, wisdom, or power need someone to count on. It's not always about being the best -- sometimes it's just about being there.
Leah T.
Followers of the tradition of Jainism do not believe in harming any living thing. Jainism numbers about 4.2 million followers, most of whom live in India, and the religion is a subset of Hinduism. One of the key beliefs of Jains is called ahimsa. The word "ahimsa" literally means "no violence" or "to do no harm." While most Hindus follow ahimsa, Jains take the concept to the extreme. Jains are vegetarian, although they will not eat some plant-based foods whose cultivation would cause harm to insects, worms, or other plants. Some Jains wear veils so that they do not accidentally breathe in and kill small insects. Hunting and rituals involving sacrifice are prohibited. They would likely applaud the words in Isaiah's text: "a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench."
Leah T.
Isaiah 42:1-9
Actress Ann Julian's struggle with cancer and her resulting double mastectomy has been much publicized. The inducement for Ann's openness was to encourage and support others who are enduring a similar ailment. Ann's husband, Andy, extends the same sympathy to the public. His sentiment is best expressed in a comment he made after viewing President Reagan on television. The newscast showed the president lugging a potted plant to his wife Nancy, a patient at Bethesda Naval Hospital who also had a mastectomy. Observing Ronald Reagan's concern for his beloved spouse, Andy concurred, "I felt sorry for him simply a guy, just like you and me. He may be the President of the United States, but at that moment he was a husband worried about his wife."
Often there is a single line of scripture that captures one's heart. The line has the most significance when placed in the context of the entire text in which it was printed, but often we like to lift it out, allow it to live singularly, as our own testimony of faith and hope. One special line that speaks to everyone who is experiencing some form of anguish or difficulty is Isaiah 42:6, "I will take hold of your hand."
On this liturgical day when we celebrate the baptism of Jesus this line, which is part of our lectionary reading, has even more significance. God blessed his Son with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, as a dove, came down from heaven and rested gently upon Jesus' shoulder. In essence, God held the hand of Jesus.
So, as Andy observed, be we president or commoner, we all seek the same comforting presence from the Lord and others.
Ron L.
Acts 10:34-43
In chemistry, catalysts are substances that help trigger a chemical reaction. For example, manganese dioxide helps separate hydrogen peroxide molecules into oxygen and water. While they are not used up in the reaction, necessarily, they are crucial to the reaction taking place. In history, catalysts are often smaller events that trigger major ones, such as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggering the start of World War I.
As we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, it is interesting to note that in Peter's description of Jesus' ministry, he starts with this event. It was God anointing Jesus "with the Holy Spirit and with power" (v. 38) that started the whole chain of events that changed history. Without the Holy Spirit coming down that day, Jesus may never have started his ministry. At that moment at the Jordan River, onlookers witnessed the ultimate spiritual catalyst.
Craig K.
Matthew 3:13-17
Cecil B. DeMille said the most memorable moment of his career was filming the crucifixion scene for the movie, The King of Kings. During a mob sequence, the multitude of cast members and extras gathered on the side of a bare, ugly hill before three, stark crosses screaming "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Suddenly, DeMille was uncomfortable with the actions before him, for the scene was being filmed on December 24. The producer was telling the story of Jesus' death on the eve of his birth. Troubled, DeMille called for five minutes of silent prayer so that all could honor the Christ. Looking over the crowd he realized he had done a foolish thing; for, the actors and actresses would just use the time to drink, smoke, and engage in cheap talk. Annoyed, DeMille bowed his head in prayer. Shortly he heard a few voices, then more, soon all joined in one chorus: "It came upon a midnight clear, the glorious song of old," DeMille looked up to see the entire cast and crew on their knees, bowing before the cross of Christ, singing a carol.
I am sure this scene is very similar to the one experienced by the people who stood and watched as Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The authorities would have questioned the motives of the people who were attending and the purpose of the ritual. Then, when Jesus was immersed into the water and arose, it became a scene from a Cecil B. DeMille movie. This is exceptionally true with the description offered by Matthew, "At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' " And everyone present, I am sure, bowed in solemn gratitude while singing a hymn of thanksgiving.
Ron L.
Matthew 3:13-17
Sometimes we meet our equals -- or our superiors -- in situations where we'd rather not. Perhaps a child is more intelligent than his or her parents. Perhaps a student is more ambitious and insightful than his or her teacher. Sometimes we meet people who we are supposed to teach -- and yet we are sure that there is more that they can teach us than we can teach them. This is the situation for John the Baptist when Jesus comes to him and asks for baptism. John is not worthy. And yet, someone has to baptize the Lord. Someone has to be a teacher and role model for that precocious child or genius student. Although we may not be smarter or more worthy than those we teach, we can strive to show a good example and to do our very best. Even those with great intelligence, wisdom, or power need someone to count on. It's not always about being the best -- sometimes it's just about being there.
Leah T.
