In regions where the Baptism of the Lord (First Sunday in Ordinary Time) was celebrated on Sunday, Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Catechism Links[1]
Baptism of Jesus by John: 438
Baptism of the Holy Spirit compared to John's baptism: 720
Importance of Jesus' Baptism: 536-537, 1223
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“Baptism of Christ” by Giovanni Bellini, 1500-02
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Commentary:
Reading 1: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Commentary on Is 42:1-4, 6-7
This passage begins what is known as the “First Song of the Servant of the Lord.” There are three more passages considered by some to be parts of one poem (Isaiah 49:1-6; Isaiah 50:4-7; and Isaiah 52:13—53:12). While there is some scholarly debate about the original intent of these poems, the prophetic view sees in these songs a reference to the coming Messiah.
In this first song, Isaiah’s prediction brings us almost the exact words spoken by God as Jesus walks out of the Jordan following his baptism: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” The image of God infusing his spirit is fulfilled as the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove at Jesus’ Baptism (Matthew 16:12; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22). He goes on in v. 2-4 to describe the compassionate and loving character of the Messiah.
In v. 6-7, Isaiah focuses on the new covenant established with the people. “The expression ‘light to the nations’ (v.6) seems to find an echo in what Jesus says about his being ‘the light of the world’ (John 8:12; 9:5) and also in the Benedictus of Zechariah (Luke 1:78-79). There is an evocation of v.7 in Jesus’ reply to the messengers from John the Baptist who ask him whether he is ‘he who is to come’ (cf. Matthew 11:4-6; Luke 7:18-22); […] And so St. Justin will say commenting on vv. 6-7: ‘Everything that is said here, my friends, refers to Christ and to the peoples who have been enlightened by his presence.’ (Dialogus cum Tryphone, 122, 2)” [5]
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Or: Isaiah 55:1-11
Commentary on Is 55:1-11
In this selection from Isaiah the prophet paints a picture of the salvific power of the Messiah to come. He tells the poor and downtrodden that faith in God’s saving grace shall bring them the reward of their faith. We also hear how God’s salvation is given to all peoples. We recall, as the Prophet reminds us, that salvation flows from his promise to extend David’s line, that the Messiah comes from that lineage in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
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Or: Acts 10:34-38
Commentary on Acts 10:34-38
In this selection from Acts, Peter is speaking in the house of Cornelius following the vision he was given showing him that nothing God created should be considered profane. This was pondered by Peter because it challenged the precepts of Jewish dietary laws and laws forbidding contact with Gentiles at certain times. It expands the invitation to salvation saying that God is for everyone, 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. The passage concludes with Peter saying his mission is to reveal God’s love in his healing ministry.
CCC: Acts 10:35 761; Acts 10:38 438, 453, 486, 1289
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Or: 1 John 5:1-9
Commentary on 1 Jn 5:1-9
The beginning of this chapter from St. John’s first letter provides us with an understanding of Christ and God being of the same essence. “Children of God are identified not only by their love for others (1 John 4:7-9) and for God (1 John 5:1-2) but by their belief in the divine sonship of Jesus Christ. Faith, the acceptance of Jesus in his true character and the obedience in love to God's commands (1 John 5:3), is the source of the Christian's power in the world and conquers the world of evil (1 John 5:4-5), even as Christ overcame the world (John 16:33).”[6]
This selection presents numerous images of baptism, the initial Christian Bath. His reference to “water” is a reference to the Lord’s Baptism. The “Spirit” is a reference to the Holy Spirit descending upon the Lord as he came out of his baptismal bath. Finally he refers to blood which is a symbol of the Cross. In that event also was God’s own testimony about the identity of his Only Son (Matthew 3:16-17). His logic in this passage teaches that if one does not believe in Jesus as the Son of God, they call God a liar because he testified to the identity of His Son.
CCC: 1 Jn 5:1 2780, 2790; 1 Jn 5:6-8 1225; 1 Jn 5:8 694
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Commentary on Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
Psalm 29 is a hymn extolling the power of God. In these strophes the immense power of God in nature is described. His majesty encompasses the earth (“enthroned above the flood”) and his kingship is established over all the earth, forever. This psalm selection focuses our attention on the baptismal font as it addresses water, the symbol and source of life, in two of the three strophes.
CCC: Ps 29:2 2143
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R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
This hymn of praise is a profession of faith: “My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.” It also does something interesting in that it challenges those who profess their faith in the Lord to proclaim it in the world: “…among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.”
This canticle emphasizes the peace and confidence found in his servant, enjoying the salvation of God. He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise him as they see his constant presence among them in the blessings they receive.
CCC: Is 12:3 2561
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Gospel: Mark 1:7-11
Commentary on Mk 1:7-11
The passage begins with St. John the Baptist announcing the coming of the Messiah who will transform the people, not simply through repentance, but by placing a new spirit within them (cf. Ezekiel 36:24-28).
St. Mark goes on to briefly describe the baptism event: “He saw the heavens . . . and the Spirit . . . upon him," indicating divine intervention in fulfillment of promise. Here the descent of the Spirit on Jesus is meant as an anointing for his ministry; cf Isaiah 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; 63:9. A voice . . . with you I am well pleased: God's acknowledgment of Jesus as his unique Son, the object of his love. His approval of Jesus is the assurance that Jesus will fulfill his messianic mission of salvation.” [7]
CCC: Mk 1:11 151, 422
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Homily:
We must say that given the winter blast that has blanketed us for the past days, thinking about Jesus being baptized in the Jordan by St. John the Baptist brings about unwanted images of members of the Polar Bear Club diving into icy waters.
The great feast we celebrate this day quickly overcomes these distractions. This feast marks the end of our Christmas celebration for this year. It does so with a remarkable image. The infant Jesus, whose birth was celebrated just a little over two weeks ago, now presents himself to St. John the Baptist as fully grown and ready to take on his Father’s work. He comes to St. John, not because he needs to repent, for he is free of all sin. Rather he comes to him for this ritual bath to provide an example for the people to follow. John’s Baptism is not the Baptism of Christ; it is a symbol only, borrowed by St. John from the Jewish tradition and embellished to serve as a rededication to God’s Law. Jesus' participation in it makes it a unifying event.
Something wondrous happens as the Lord emerges from the water. It is not John who anoints Jesus, but the God the Father who sends the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Lord as a sign of purest grace and ultimate unity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sealed in purpose for the love and salvation of us all.
This remarkable feast should remind us of our own adoption as well. Though most of us will not remember the event, having been baptized as infants, the fact remains that as our parents presented us to the Church, they made promises on our behalf. They promised that they would teach us of the love God has for us. They would show us through words and actions what it means to be unified in Christ. Above all they promised to teach us how to live under the Great Commandment – loving God first and loving one another in the same way.
It is this great covenant that unifies us as God’s children and as Church. It provides us with our mission, to be a community of faith that shares the joys and challenges of life with each other. In sharing our joy, the joy of the whole community is amplified, filling us with the knowledge of God’s grace and goodness. And in sharing our sorrows and disappointments, the pain we fell is diluted, diminished as we seek the consolation of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
This idealistic vision of community united in Baptism sounds wonderful. However, in reality it is difficult. We live in large and diverse communities. Unlike the early Christians, our lives are complex. We leave this place of worship and go our separate ways. It is unusual that our lives revolve around the community of faith, yet we are called to take a responsible place within that community.
Especially in difficult economic times, the need for each of us to participate actively with the faith community to help those in need is critical. There are organizations within our community dedicated to alleviating some of these trying impacts. Specifically, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul is active in our parish and could use help from volunteers. There are also prayer groups that are quite active including one that meets on Tuesday evenings if that is a way you feel you can help. The mission we are given as baptized members is not a passive one, we are called to bring light to the world through our words and deeds.
As we move from Christmas into the challenging year ahead of us, this becomes our challenge: to remember our call to be part of the community of faith, united in that purpose as well as meeting the challenges of our secular lives. It is through this unity that we are able to accomplish acts of compassion and mercy in a meaningful way. Together, united in faith and purpose, we can fulfill the mission to which Christ called each of us.
Pax
[1] Catechism links provided were not taken from the Homiletic Directory, none were provided for this solemnity. These references are taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, © 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc. – Libreris Editrice Vaticana, pp. 756
[2] The picture used today is “Baptism of Christ” by Giovanni Bellini, 1500-02
[5] The Navarre Bible: “Major Prophets”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp.60
[6] See NAB footnote on 1 John 5:1ff
[7] See NAB footnote on MK 1:10-11
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