January 27, 2019 Sunday The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

Nehemiah 8:2-4a; 5-6, 8-10

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body… 1 Cor. 12:13

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me… Lk. 1:18

Lord, you were baptized by John in the Jordan.  You were then tempted by the devil in the desert.  The Spirit was present in both places.  From those two events you returned to your home town to begin establishing your kingdom.  You came to bring unity to a divided world.  Jew, gentile and pagan all were at each other’s throats.   It’s the same today.  You invite all people into your kingdom no matter their race, color, culture, gender, origin, political party, or social status.  We are called by our baptism into the church which is your body on earth.  You want us to be one in function, purpose and being.  The same Spirit that hovered over you in the Jordan was present at my baptism.  The same Spirit that strengthened you in the desert is with me when I am tempted.  The same Spirit is guiding our church today as we all contribute to the mission of your church to which you have called us.  Lord, I’m most grateful to you for anointing me to live my faith in the world.  It is a great joy to be part of your awesome family.  Amen.