More of Him, Less of Me

As Christians it is one of our greatest hopes that at the end of our earthly lives we will hear those words we find in the Gospel today: “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

It would mean we’ve run the race, and won the crown, as Saint Paul writes in 2 Timothy. These words spoken at the Baptism of our Lord, by God looking upon His Son with great love even before he started his public ministry.

In other words, God already has a relationship with His Son! Jesus also knew His identity as the “Word of God, His only Begotten Son” and Jesus knew His mission (to suffer and die for our sins). We have heard many times over the past months… Relationship, Identity, Mission….for good reason Jesus is the example of how Relationship, Identity, and Mission are so important.

My own journey in relationship with Christ is one that ebbs and flows back and forth much like the Israelite history, when I follow His will and do the best I can in relationship to Him (rely on Him and not get in the way with my pride) then things seem to come together effortlessly. When I think I have it covered then things usually get challenging and I find myself struggling in faith, and in my identity.

I think God chuckles a lot. My Identity is that of his adopted son, a co-heir however, it is also an identity related to His church as a Deacon (servant in service) to Christ. In obedience to our Archbishop, to my pastor, and our parish. In service, it is one of obedience, in following the will of my Archbishop and Pastor. obedience is freedom exemplified in many ways just as Jesus was obedient. The Icon of Christ the Servant, how may I serve you?