The Baptism of the Lord
Additional Information on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Readings for The Baptism of the Lord
Commentary:
Reading 1 Is 42:1-4, 6-7
Isaiah’s prediction brings us almost the exact words spoken by God as Jesus walks out of the Jordan following his baptism. He goes on in the first paragraph to describe the compassionate and loving character of Jesus. In the second paragraph Isaiah focuses on the new covenant established with the people.
Or Acts 10:34-38
In this selection from Acts, Peter is sounding very much like Paul, saying that God is for every one not just the Israelites. He then launches into the Good News which he starts with a description of the Baptism of the Lord and how the Holy Spirit descended.
Or Is 40:1-5, 9-11
In this second option from Isaiah we are given first the prophetic vision of John the Baptist; “A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” The prophecy then announces the coming of the Messiah and what a blessing he will be to the people.
Or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7
In this final option, Titus speaks to the Cretans about the gifts we are given as a consequence of Baptism and how our Baptism is linked to His sacrifice.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
This psalm selection focuses our attention on the baptismal font as it addresses in two of the three strophes the water theme.
Or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.
In the second psalm option we hear the song of praise again mentioning, in the second strophe, God’s throne above the waters. There is also a reference to rebirth in God whose Holy Spirit is a creative force.
Gospel Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
We are given the story of the Lord’s Baptism from Luke today. This is another very short version that does not include the exchange between Jesus and John the Baptist. Here we do hear the echoes of Isaiah’s prophecy as Christ is claimed by God.
Reflection:
We are given a number of scriptural options to reflect upon today as we celebrate one of the major revelatory events, the Baptism of the Lord. When we look at the Gospel story of Jesus life there are three “Firsts” that are seen as most important. The first “First” we celebrated yesterday at the Feast of the Epiphany when the Magi from the east were the “First” non-Hebrews to recognize and worship the Lord as King of Kings. The second “First” we hear today as the Lord begins his long expected rise and takes on the mantle of Messiah. The third “First” is the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana which we will hear as our Gospel story next Sunday. This “First” is the first miraculous event attributed to Jesus.
These three, the visit of the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord, and the Wedding at Cana are considered the major revelatory events in the Gospel account of Jesus’ life. With the Baptism of the Lord our celebration of God’s great gift, that started yesterday, is brought closer to us. In the Lord’s Baptism the Holy Spirit descends, an event that we believe also takes place at our one redemptive bath.
Our great Savior begins his saving work from this point in time and we rejoice in the love our God has shown through this most precious gift. Today listen to the words of the prayers at Mass:
Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own beloved Son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
Additional Information on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Readings for The Baptism of the Lord
Commentary:
Reading 1 Is 42:1-4, 6-7
Isaiah’s prediction brings us almost the exact words spoken by God as Jesus walks out of the Jordan following his baptism. He goes on in the first paragraph to describe the compassionate and loving character of Jesus. In the second paragraph Isaiah focuses on the new covenant established with the people.
Or Acts 10:34-38
In this selection from Acts, Peter is sounding very much like Paul, saying that God is for every one not just the Israelites. He then launches into the Good News which he starts with a description of the Baptism of the Lord and how the Holy Spirit descended.
Or Is 40:1-5, 9-11
In this second option from Isaiah we are given first the prophetic vision of John the Baptist; “A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” The prophecy then announces the coming of the Messiah and what a blessing he will be to the people.
Or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7
In this final option, Titus speaks to the Cretans about the gifts we are given as a consequence of Baptism and how our Baptism is linked to His sacrifice.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
This psalm selection focuses our attention on the baptismal font as it addresses in two of the three strophes the water theme.
Or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.
In the second psalm option we hear the song of praise again mentioning, in the second strophe, God’s throne above the waters. There is also a reference to rebirth in God whose Holy Spirit is a creative force.
Gospel Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
We are given the story of the Lord’s Baptism from Luke today. This is another very short version that does not include the exchange between Jesus and John the Baptist. Here we do hear the echoes of Isaiah’s prophecy as Christ is claimed by God.
Reflection:
We are given a number of scriptural options to reflect upon today as we celebrate one of the major revelatory events, the Baptism of the Lord. When we look at the Gospel story of Jesus life there are three “Firsts” that are seen as most important. The first “First” we celebrated yesterday at the Feast of the Epiphany when the Magi from the east were the “First” non-Hebrews to recognize and worship the Lord as King of Kings. The second “First” we hear today as the Lord begins his long expected rise and takes on the mantle of Messiah. The third “First” is the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana which we will hear as our Gospel story next Sunday. This “First” is the first miraculous event attributed to Jesus.
These three, the visit of the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord, and the Wedding at Cana are considered the major revelatory events in the Gospel account of Jesus’ life. With the Baptism of the Lord our celebration of God’s great gift, that started yesterday, is brought closer to us. In the Lord’s Baptism the Holy Spirit descends, an event that we believe also takes place at our one redemptive bath.
Our great Savior begins his saving work from this point in time and we rejoice in the love our God has shown through this most precious gift. Today listen to the words of the prayers at Mass:
Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own beloved Son. Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
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