1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -
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The readings for the Baptism of the Lord are full of wonderful messages and challenges.   A common thread that I found, however, resulted in a fuller realization of how all-encompassing is our God.   God (or whatever name you call the Almighty) is all-everything good plus provides so very many positive, if not unexpected and uncommon, ways for us to follow the Plan made just for us.

In the first reading from the Book of Isaiah, God’s words reveal the promise “to set things right”.   Then, and in the times we live, such words are balm to the wounds we feel within ourselves and see around us…and often feel so helpless to soothe or heal.  

In the selection from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter shares the extremely Good News that this promise is for us all, through the peace that Jesus brings.   Jesus is “Lord of all”, “every nation” is acceptable to the Lord, and “all those” oppressed by the devil will be healed.   The inclusivity of that promise might seem a bit foreign at first, especially among those born into privilege and even national supremacy.   The challenge is to embrace the “all” and “everyone” in hope for ourselves in our own darkness and learn to live unblinded with unbiased/impartial eyes with all those around us.

In hindsight, the Gospel story of Jesus being baptized by such a seemingly unconventional man like John the Baptist might seem not only awkward but a bit backwards.  Jesus, the Ultimate Role Model, reminds us that God made the Plan and chooses how and who to make things right, not us.  Our job is to let the Light of the Lord fill us with openness and a willingness to follow the goodness that has been planted within us.

Somewhat easy words to write, much harder to live!  The wonderful minds God has given us plus free will make for confusion, indecision, lethargy, and big time mistakes.   As we enter Ordinary Time, we are given an opportunity to recapture our incredible/ indescribable lifeline to God through prayer, connections with other people who search for truth, and ways to help those who also experience the darkness of being human.   Let us remember that The Light shines in unexpected and uncommon places and people, thanks be to God!

Blessings,

Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP

Southern Dominican Laity

lanie@leblanc.one

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Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week.  They are written by various guest authors.  If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster.  Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.

VOLUME II ARCHIVE

• Baptism of the Lord •
• Mary, Mother of God/Epiphany •
• Holy Family •
• 4th Sunday Advent •
• 3rd Sunday Advent •
• 2nd Sunday Advent •

A service of The Order of Preachers, The Dominicans.
Province of St. Martin De Porres
(Southern Dominican Province USA)
P.O. Box 8129, New Orleans, LA 70182
(504)837-2129; Fax (504)837-6604
http://www.opsouth.org
(form revised 10/13/2025)