Following The Steps

Matthew 3:13-16 - Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were open [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased."

Thoughts:  Jesus certainly did not need to be baptized. He was the son of God, after all. John was certainly appropriate in his response. However unworthy we feel or seem, God will use us in very mighty ways if we just let him. 

Our God is not a god of reckless abandonment. We have a great God of order and self control. Jesus saw the importance of following the steps. He observed the customs of the Jewish religion. He gave us specific steps to follow that we have in the mass. I think in the reading today He was showing us that there are visible and necessary steps on our journey to salvation. 

Unfortunately, we live in a world that teaches us to take shortcuts. We are constantly inundated  with get rich quick schemes and things to show us how to get to our goals without having to work at it. Or at least to get there quicker than everyone else. But there is much to learn on the journey, following the steps. These steps are not there to hinder or deter us they are there to enhance and prepare us to receive the end goal.

There is no quick route in our spiritual journey. We must follow the steps that Jesus presents to us through the Bible and church tradition. Formation for the diaconate is about a six year process. Some say that is too long. I have often meditated on that and have come to the conclusion that if this is truly what God is calling me to then six years is not that big of a deal. I cannot shortcut this process. Rather, I will endeavor, if accepted, to enjoy the formation process as a journey much like the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.