we're waiting for the baptized
"Now take courage, Zerubbabel, says the Lord, and take courage, Joshua, high priest, son of Jehozadak, and take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord, and work!" —Haggai 2:4
The task of rebuilding God's house required a priest, Joshua; prophets, Haggai and Zechariah; and a king, Zerubbabel. To rebuild God's house and renew the face of the earth, it took Jesus: the Priest, the Prophet, and the King of kings (see Rv 19:16). To apply the redeeming work of Jesus to where we live, it takes Christians baptized into Christ and living their Baptisms as priests, prophets, and kings. Immediately after each of us were baptized, we were anointed with the Chrism oil as priests, prophets, and kings. Like Jesus and in Jesus, we have the Spirit of the Lord upon us, for He has anointed us to bring good news to the poor and to announce the Great Jubilee Year of justice and freedom (Lk 4:18-19).
As we prepare to cross the threshold of a new millennium and celebrate the long-awaited Great Jubilee, let us renew our Baptisms and live them to the fullest. Baptized into Christ Jesus, we have all the priestly, prophetic, and royal power to renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30) and build God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (see Mt 6:10). Live your Baptism.
Prayer: Father, "shake all the nations" and fill Your "house with glory" (Hg 2:7).
Promise: " 'But you — who do you say that I am?' He asked them. Peter said in reply, 'The Messiah of God.' " —Lk 9:20
Praise: Fellow parishioners meet in Ed and Julie's home to read and apply the Scriptures to their lives.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 22, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 24, 1999