How can we reconcile the people being “filled with expectation” at the Baptism of the Lord with the reality that humanity often disappoints God’s expectations, especially when our own expectations—such as consistently meeting the Eucharistic Jesus at scheduled Mass times—are challenged by unforeseen closures at places like St. Mary’s Cathedral❓
Reading I
My heart carries an expectation that God’s promises will endure, even when the world feels uncertain. The words, “a smoldering wick he shall not quench,” remind me of God’s tender care and patience with our faltering faith. In moments of doubt, I cling to the call, “Comfort, give comfort to my people,” finding solace in God’s unyielding mercy, even as I wrestle with my own unmet expectations. How often do I quench the flame of my hope when faced with challenges❓
Responsorial Psalm
I live with the expectation that peace is possible, not only in the world but also in my heart. “The Lord will bless his people with peace” is more than a Psalm; it is a promise that sustains me. When I pray, “O bless the Lord, my soul,” I remind myself that God’s blessings, while sometimes unexpected, are always abundant. Yet, how do I hold on to this peace when my expectations are disrupted by life’s unpredictability, like an unanticipated church closure❓
Reading II
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality,” and this truth sets a foundation for my expectations. I strive to live by the grace that is “training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires,” yet I recognize how easily my expectations can be influenced by selfishness. God’s impartial love challenges me to elevate my expectations—not for personal gain, but for the betterment of all creation, including the care of our common home.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. I cannot help but think of the expectation that filled the people who witnessed the Baptism of the Lord. “The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” What greater expectation could there be than this divine declaration❓ John’s humility, as he proclaimed, “One mightier than I is coming; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire,” reminds me to temper my expectations with reverence and trust in God’s will, not my own. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
As I reflect on these moments, I realize that expectations can be a source of both hope and disappointment. My own expectation to meet Christ in the Eucharist is sometimes hindered by the realities of life, yet I am called to trust in God’s providence. So, I ask myself, even when my expectations seem unmet, can I still find joy in the truth that…
“If we scan the regions of our planet, we immediately see that humanity has disappointed God’s expectations”.[35]
FROM PARAGRAPH 61 ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME