Our salvation history goes back thousands of years but continues beyond the Bible. Many of the events of our lives become part of that salvation history, so we must remember and celebrate it. Doing so will make it easier to believe in our hearts and bear witness with our mouths. It will also help us pass the tests and temptations we will continue to face throughout our lives. We’ll be able to face them the way that Jesus did - with self-sacrifice, humility, and respect!

Professionals are often encouraged to create a “personal brand,” but our readings today show why that’s horrible advice. What we keep inside can’t be hidden forever - the world will eventually see our true nature - and we certainly can’t fool God. So we need to fill our hearts with good treasure and focus on doing the Lord’s work. We’re not called to create a façade; we’re called to improve ourselves and then let the world see us for who we really are!

The messages from our Scripture readings this week revolve around forgiveness and compassion, even when it isn’t easy. If we forgive, love, or show compassion to someone who does the same for us, it’s not enough because even sinners do that. We’re called to do more. We’re called to live in a way that reflects the light of Christ - even to those who mistreat us. If we’re honest, then we’ll admit it may seem impossible - but we need to put our trust in the Lord and try our best to be the heavenly people we’re called to be!

Jeremiah says to put our faith in God and our lives will be fruitful - but what does that really mean? In most cultures, being “fruitful” means having a good family, material possessions, financial security, and the admiration of others. But when the Risen Lord is at the center of our faith, all of that changes. It becomes hard to reconcile our societal picture of success with our Lord’s picture of success. It makes being a true follower of Jesus a very, very difficult challenge!

As Christians, we must understand that Jesus has been present throughout history, bridging the past, present, and future. We also need to understand that the Lord can bridge the gap between our sinfulness and holiness. God is searching for us. God has been searching for us. And God will find us. We just need to have faith enough to cross that bridge when he does!

It’s easy to look at this week’s readings and see them as simply a commentary on the past. But when we apply them to ourselves - and to our own calling - they mean so much more. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ on earth but it won’t be easy. Even Jesus was rejected, so we need to start from a foundation of love and then carry on, trusting that the Lord has our back!

Jesus offers us redemption and that’s not “old news.” In fact, it's news meant for us today. If we look with our eyes of faith and understand the Spirit holds the Body together, then we must understand we need to continue Christ's mission. We must lift up the poor, free the captives, and heal the sick. It's a monumental task because the Word of God is meant for everyone. And that means all of us who make up the Body of Christ on earth have a lot of work to do!

The Lord created all of us as unique individuals with our own mix of gifts and abilities. This diversity shouldn’t drive us apart - it should be a source of unity for the community of faith. We’re called to recognize that though our gifts may be different, the source of those gifts is the same. And the same Spirit who gave these gifts can help each of us transform into something extraordinary!

As Catholics, we say we have been baptized as “priest, prophet, and king.” We are called to help bring holiness to the community; to speak God's truth, no matter the cost; and to coordinate the gifts of the community and lead others in building the Kingdom. We must bring the light of Christ to the world because the peace of Christ is meant for everyone. And we do this together with each other, and with the Holy Spirit, who is here because Jesus Christ has arrived!

The Magi honored the baby Jesus and then went on their way but we know we’re called to do more. We only celebrate Christmas one time every year but we believe the light of Christ is a gift meant to be shared every day. We have gifts as well and it’s through the sharing of those gifts that we truly honor Jesus and spread the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and salvation for all!