Epiphany II

In today’s Gospel reading we read of St. Mark’s account of the Baptism of our Lord. St. Mark focuses on the humility of St. John Baptist focusing of course on his meekness and humility. He says that he is not worthy to untie Christ’s sandals. This is great humilty. However, one of the key features is the passage from Isaiah.

This passage from Isaiah 40 tells us of the purpose of the ministry of St. John Baptist. He is to prepare the Way. He is not meant to be the Light but bear witness to the Light, as St. John the Evangelist puts it so elegantly in the Prologue. Why does St. Mark mention this passage?

St. Mark is telling us of the great importance of Christ. He was the solution to the Divine Dilemma in the Garden. God, who governs both Heaven and Earth, heard our cry as He did in Egypt (Exodus 3). He has heard our supplications and has given us a complete peace that passes all understanding. This is what is meant in the Collect today.

We ask God for many things in our life and we often are upset when it does not happen at that exact moment, but does that mean God is ignoring us? No, certainly not, but He knows what is best for us and He is working on the solution. God does not give us things on our own timing but in His appointed time. I can remember times in my life when I have felt this way. Why would God not do it now? Why do I have to wait? Jesus came at exactly the right time and the time that He was meant to come. He came at the appointed time. Have faith that God hears your supplications and will answer your prayers not when you think you need it, but when God has appointed it for you. Sometimes what we think we want is not what He has prepared for us, but if it is then be assured that He sees you and will answer your supplications in ways that you cannot see nor imagine.

God bless you

In Christ,

Fr. Brandon Cribbs