Last Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Jesus. Immediately after Jesus’s baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the desert where after forty days Satan tempted him. At our baptism, we were called to share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet and king. Given the lengthy government shutdown and divisive political discourse, we may be tempted to let our sense of powerlessness lead us into self-centeredness and isolationism, but as Christians we are called to respond with courage, fidelity and charity. In addition to praying for our leaders and for those whose lives are being adversely affected, we can express our concerns to elected leaders and to assist those who are working for justice and those who have been afflicted by natural disasters or inhumane treatment. Mary whispers to us, as she did to the servants at the wedding of Cana, “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”