Scripture, Faith, and Identity: A Path to Ministry

Christine Kelly Baglow shares her journey through scripture and prayer to deeper faith and the discovery of her identity in God—a journey that gave her a heart for young people and led her into lay ministry at a Catholic school. She also bears witness to the living power of Scripture while unpacking Isaiah 43, which has particular meaning to her.

Christine Kelly Baglow is a lay ecclesial minister who serves as the director of pastoral ministry at St. Joseph High School in South Bend, IN, and writes on discipleship and the lives of the saints. She is a contributor to the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible and the Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers.

Take Christine’s Favorite Scripture to Your Next Holy Hour

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to hear your word today.

Read the Word: Isaiah 43:1–3 

(Read it in your own Bible to get the context, and so you can make notes)

“But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Ponder the Word: Read several times, lingering where it touches your heart. What catches your attention? What do you hear the Lord saying to you?

Pray with the Word: Bring to the Lord what you have heard, and talk to him about it. Ask for his grace. Thank him for his loving care.

Live the Word: How does what you read touch your life? What can you do this week to put it into practice?