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“Baptism of Christ”
by Giovanni Bellini, 1500-02 |
Readings for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord [2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [3]
Readings and Commentary: [4]
Reading 1: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
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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]
CCC: IIs 42:1-9 713; Is 42:1 536, 555; Is 42:3 580; Is 42:6 580
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Or: Isaiah 55:1-11
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
Why spend your money for what is not bread,
your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me, and you shall eat well,
you shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully,
listen, that you may have life.
I will renew with you the everlasting covenant,
the benefits assured to David.
As I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of nations,
so shall you summon a nation you knew not,
and nations that knew you not shall run to you,
because of the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you.
Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call him while he is near.
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,
and the wicked man his thoughts;
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.
For just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.
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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.
CCC: Is 55:1 694, 2121; Is 55:3 762
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Or: Acts 10:34-38
Then Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”
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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
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three that testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
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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.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
adore the LORD in holy attire.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The God of glory thunders,
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
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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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Or: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
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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
And this is what he (John the Baptist) proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
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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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Reflection:
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 feel 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, p. 756.
[2] The picture used today is “Baptism of Christ” by Giovanni Bellini, 1500-02.
[3] S.S. Commemoratio[4] The readings are taken from the New American Bible except for the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[5] The Navarre Bible: “Major Prophets”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p.60.
[6] See NAB footnote on 1 John 5:1ff.
[7] See NAB footnote on MK 1:10-11.
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