Feast of the Baptism of The Lord 2009

Reflection for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord…

 The pursuit of happiness…

With the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we come to the end of the Christmas Season for another year.  For weeks now we have wished one another “Happy Christmas!” or “Happy New Year!”

Many of us have spent lavishly on food and drink and clothing and gifts.  In recent days the after Christmas sales have taken over. Some have cheered at the bargains they got while many moaned that business was away down on previous years.

Of course we are in a time of economic downturn, a depression.  There has been much criticism and blaming of banks and government and high wages and high overheads…

Not much to report that is good or satisfying.  Despite the wishes of happy Christmas and happy New Year… Despite all we spend and all we do it seems we are failing to satisfy.  And we take consolation in over-eating or over-indulging in drink or devoting a lot of time to watching TV…

But maybe, just maybe we are looking for satisfaction, for happiness, in the wrong place.  Maybe, just maybe the invitation at the opening of today’s First Reading is what will really satisfy:

“Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty;
though you have no money, come!
Buy corn without money, and eat,
and, at no cost, wine and milk.
Why spend money on what fails to satisfy?
Listen, listen to me and you will have good things to eat
and rich food to enjoy.
Pay attention, come to me;
Listen and your soul will live”.

Come to me… listen to me… your soul will live!

– Fr Tom Curran SMA
Blackrock Road, Cork