Called to Be a Light for the Nations

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. // Isaiah 42: 6-7

She grabbed the red box that contained her baptismal candle with her sweet chubby cherub-like baby hand. Her tiny little fingers wrapped around it completely. It's like she knew there was something inside of the box that was just for her.

Behind this little babe and her parents stood the sisters of our Blessed is She small group, a group of women she and her mom had only met twice before.

I marveled at the fullness of the Church from discussing Dwell on our living room couch to sitting at Church together, witnessing this baby receive her first Sacrament.

It was the first time I had ever served as a proxy godmother, and, after having five godchildren of my own, it didn’t make it any less special. In fact, I became more aware of the power of the witness we carry to be a “light for the nations.”

“I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness” (Isaiah 42:6-7).

The waters of Baptism trickled down her hair. Original Sin had been removed, and now she was an adopted daughter of God, incorporated into the Body of Christ.

When she was lifted up from the baptismal font, it felt like that moment in the Lion King when Mufasa lifts up Simba and presents him to the animals of pride land.

Each one of us sisters were bursting with joy. This sweet baby girl reaffirmed and reminded us of our own baptismal promises with renewed strength and hope.

Sister, as we settle into the New Year, it is a good time to consider your own baptismal promises and the graces that have sprung forth and continue to grow from your first Sacrament.

Today on this Feast Day of the Baptism of the Lord, spend some time in prayer thinking about how you live out your Baptismal call of Priest, Prophet, and King.