The First Sunday After Epiphany

There are a lot of ways to respond to The Gospel. In this Epiphany season we are reminded over and over of the call to be disciples. In today's Gospel we heard about Jesus' baptism. That, of course, is meant to tie us back to our own baptisms. Whether as an infant or adult, Baptism is what opens the door into the community. As a result we are called and given our own place in the faith.

As I was reading some of the blogs I scan, I came across the following poem from John Santic on his blog Toward Hope. I wish I could write poetry this powerful that can so concisely say what needs to be said. I ponder this poem as a challenge for me to live out my baptism in all I do.

I just want to live this stuff out!
But I waste too much time trying to understand.
And my ducks aren't in a row
And I need to do something first.

I just want to live this stuff out!
The liberated life of giving myself away
But I am just too scared.
And I have to go to work.

I just want to live this stuff out!
But I am not educated enough
And my formula is not just right.
If only I understood you better before I took my first step!

I just want to live this stuff out!
And shout from the rooftops that you exist
But I can't muster up the courage to do so.
It's really because I am too busy.

You say follow me,
And I want to, I think.
But on my terms where I can dictate
Just how much of this stuff I live out.
--John Santic