January 12, 2021

Post-feast of Theophany; the Holy Martyr Tatiana
1 Peter 3:10-22; Mark 12:18-27

Read 1 Peter 3:10-22

Christ is baptised!

Yesterday morning, a Facebook friend of mine posted the following thought:

“The devil never attacks our faith and charity directly; rather, he attacks our hope. If he can break our hope, the supernatural chain of grace is weakened, and faith and charity will soon fall by the wayside.”

It appears as if hope is in short supply these days. The many effects of the present pandemic have brought much anxiety, depression, and a feeling of powerlessness to many people. This has led to a loss of charity in discussions between divergent opinions, both in respect to the pandemic and various political events over the last weeks and months. Answering the call of St. Peter in today’s epistle reading to give “a reason for the hope that is in you” seems like an impossibility.

As we continue to celebrate the feast of Our Lord’s Theophany and the renewal of all creation through His baptism in the Jordan, may our faith in God be strengthened, our hope in Divine Providence be renewed, and for charity to be present in all our encounters and discussions.