Set Apart: A Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

The video "Set Apart: A Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time" by Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show reflects on the readings for the second Sunday in ordinary time, focusing on Jesus's baptism and the call to holiness.

Key takeaways from the reflection include:

• Sanctifying Grace (0:24-0:36): The Holy Spirit descends upon us at baptism, granting us sanctifying grace, which calls us to a life of holiness and makes us more like God.
• Called to be Set Apart (0:50-1:08): Similar to how Jesus is the Son of God, we are called to be set apart from the world, living in it but not being "of this world," but rather "of the supernatural world of God."
• Vessels of Light and Hope (1:23-1:37): In difficult times, we are reminded to be vessels of light, hope, and God's love to others.
• Holiness as Disposition and Obedience (1:42-2:09): Drawing from St. Thérèse of Lisieux, holiness is described as a disposition where our hearts, souls, and wills align with God, and it involves obedience to His will.
• Humility and Dependence on God (2:33-3:28): Holiness also means acknowledging our smallness and weakness, allowing God to carry us, as our strength comes through Christ. This calls for a great dependency on God and openness to growth in virtues.
• Growth in Prudence (3:37-4:38): The speaker shares a personal experience of growing in prudence, a virtue that helps us discern and act on what is good, particularly in communication like texts and emails.
• Strengthening Sanctifying Grace (4:42-5:00): Sanctifying grace is strengthened through prayer, acts of sacrifice, and acts of charity or love.
• Embracing God's Will (5:38-5:57): Being holy involves making an act of will towards what God desires, even when it means sacrificing our own desires. This practice makes it easier over time and helps us grow in virtue, allowing us to joyfully and easily do what is good.
• Call to Love (6:26-6:35): Ultimately, we are called to a life of holiness and love to all we encounter, striving to be like Jesus.