Savoring the last weekend.

Today we commemorate the feast of the baptism of our Lord, the day that marks the close of the Christmas celebratory season. I have always been stuck by this first act of Jesus in His public ministry; to mingle Himself, the Savior of the world, among sinners and humbly submit to baptism. He truly wishes to dwell with us and assist us in our trials and temptations. It is a good day to also reflect upon the fact that we are especially united to Him and His Mystical Body through the grace of our own baptisms; that sacrament that permanently marks us as His own.

We stretched this last weekend of Christmas out as slowly as possible, despite the business of getting back to our normal parish weekend schedule - choir rehearsal, CCD classes, a baptism - and Andrew was away Saturday evening teaching a voice class for the newly ordained deacons of the archdiocese. I spent a little time finishing laundry, checking the pantry status and meal planning, tending to Michael, and catching up with a few friends. In our together time, we listened to lots of Christmas music, and enjoyed our tree and Christmas gifts. It has been in the low 30's-20's, so we stayed indoors away from the frosty air. We concluded our Sunday with a (late) Epiphany house blessing, chicken soup, evening prayer, and the Rosary - ready to usher in Ordinary Time!  

O Lord, Almighty God, bless this house that it may become a shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, and thanksgiving to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Upon this house and those who dwell herein may Your blessing remain forever.