January 9: The Baptism of the Lord

Posted by Campus Ministry on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 8:00 AM PST

the reflection pool outside the Chapel of St Ignatius with a reflection of the cross and belltower in the water

Every December, in anticipation of a New Year, I find myself doing two things: reflecting on the year that has passed, and hoping for the future of what is to come. It feels like December 31st and January 1st belong to two completely different worlds, and the instant between those two days will magically open up the world for new opportunities and possibilities. Maybe I’ll find a new hobby, I’ll pick up that book I’ve always told myself I would read, or I’ll start focusing on my health. Maybe I’ll finally finish that project that I’ve been working on, or I’ll finally go to bed on time. The new year is thrilling in that way; we are not left with a blank slate to work from, but it somehow still feels optimistic and hopeful. It’s promising, and it motivates us to do the things we never could have without it.

It’s not uncommon that the New Year’s resolutions I make eventually fall through, and I forget about this motivation because it has “worn off,” or I’m “too busy.” Time goes on and suddenly, it’s now December, and the New Year’s inspiration kicks in all over again, pushing me to do all of the things that I hope will make me a better person.

Just like the New Year, on this Sunday we are reminded of the covenant and the promise that Jesus represents. Christ is a symbol of hope for us and we are constantly reminded of this throughout the Liturgical Year. Still, I sometimes find myself longing to be reinvigorated with hope for the coming of Christ and the Salvation that is promised for us. Fortunately, God’s love for us is eternal, and the promise of Jesus is everlasting.

This brings me to pause for reflection: How can the promise of Jesus help me to become a better person? How can the covenant of Christ motivate me to love others the way God loves us? What can I do to keep myself reminded of God’s promise, and how can I turn to God for help to accomplish it?

~ Taylor-Ann Miyashiro, Class of 2022, B.S. Electrical Engineering