The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. - Sunday, January 9, 2022 (EPISODE: 344)

The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time) - Sunday, January 9, 2022 (EPISODE: 344)

Readings for Sunday, January 9, 2022 - The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time)
FIRST READING: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27+28, 29-30. "Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!"
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 3:16). Alleluia, alleluia! John said: He who is to come is mightier than I. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
GOSPEL: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768-  Contributo: Bill Perry
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time) - Sunday, January 9, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-baptism-of-the-lord-year-c-episode-344?si=80e0aa28e815478c9814f5ff094bbd08&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 344)

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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
In Luke's Gospel, the voice of the Father is heard not when Jesus was being Baptised, or even when he was arising from the waters, but afterwards, when Jesus is praying. 
 
In fact, in Luke's Gospel, this happens at key moments when the true identity of Christ is revealed, that Jesus is shown to be praying!   
 
We witness it here in today's Gospel, as he prays after his baptism and again at the Transfiguration, and later even the Apostles, too, receive the Holy Spirit when gathered in prayer at Pentecost.   
 
In prayer, Christ's identity is revealed as the beloved son of the Father. For us his disciples, prayer renews and connects us to God,  and is an affirmation (and renewal) of our baptismal identity  (as children of God), and strengthens us to undertake our ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.^  
 
One Scripture commentator says in relation to this Gospel today....  "We are told that God rends the heavens to lavish praise on his son— a son who, up to that point, had yet to accomplish much of anything." It must have been indescribably affirming and motivating for Jesus as he was about to begin his most challenging and self-emptying ministry. 
 
Of course, Jesus is God, and he was also fully human. As a human he was as much in need of encouragement, affirmation and strength from his beloved Father in heaven. This Father also is the father of all things….. 
 
Jesus was now officially commissioned in his earthly ministry, (by none less than God the Heavenly Father)/ Commissioned for this incredibly difficult ministry, and Our Lord was absolutely assured of the love and confidence of his father….and could begin his ministry confident that the Father was completely pleased with him and 100% behind what he was doing." (Patrice J. Tuohy).  
 
It is a timely reminder that sincere and constructive affirmation and encouragement is an important human need. We live in a culture where it seems easier to voice criticisms. For far too many people, if they are not happy with something, criticism occurs swiftly, but if they are not unhappy with something, it is not so much praise that follows, but rather deafening silence. We live in a world where there is too often either criticism or silence.  For people who live without affirmation, or who live with constant criticism; they can easily get the message that nothing they do is ever going to be good enough. However, there is a difference between true affirmation and mere compliments. A compliment can be a pleasant thing said, (sometimes a compliment is not even remotely accurate, but something nice that another person might say, just to be 'pleasant'). In contrast, a true affirmation actually confirms the truth as seen and experienced by another. Affirmation and constructive criticism is far better than untrue compliments and a world away from undermining negativity.  
 
 
False praise is also very unhelpful. A person who relies on praise that is not based in reality is misled and denied the chance to hone their skills. The person can be quite deceived about how they are really doing or how they may actually be affecting others; for the better or worse. And then there are those who get good, positive feedback and affirmation. This is priceless and truly affirming. Even when setbacks and the occasional mistake or failure come their way, the person who has healthy feedback and honest affirmation and information, can develop resilience, and is not defeated, because they have firm foundations for their belief in their abilities and their inner value and the strength of their own worth. A person who receives this constructive affirmation and even constructive and sensitive criticism will persevere through many struggles and challenges to increase in excellence.  
 
Our Baptism is intended to be a formal and real adoption into God's family and a true affirmation of our dignity as beloved children of God. God thirsts to give this to each and every person in the world for they are all his cherished children. Baptism has a real, permanent and practical effect on our lives.  Our baptism, echoing Jesus' action in the Jordan, is a huge "Yes" by us and even more importantly - it follows a profound YES by God towards us. We are saying "yes!" - we too want to share Christ's life. Yes, we wish to truly immerse ourselves in the values and 'movement towards God' that Christ's Good News embodies. We want to be united with Jesus who is utterly committed to the establishment of God's loving, just and merciful Kingdom in all its fullness. And we too, are aware of the necessity of the Cross, which is the unavoidable cost of that commitment. There is always going to be a worthwhile cost and the reality of suffering in any love that serves and gives completely. Love that suffers, and actions that give completely of self, are founded firmly in Christ.  Baptism into Jesus is an infinitely more profound action than what was done by people such as John and his disciples. Although a powerful forerunner to Christ's action, John's baptism was a sign of conversion to, and commitment to God's Kingdom, and also, for almost everyone requesting it, a powerful sign of their repentance of sin. These baptisms were powerful but symbolic. They were repeatable. But Baptism into Jesus that we receive, is once and for all. It is a true and effective grafting into the life of Christ, the life of God.  
 
Jesus made holy the waters of baptism, by investing this beautiful action with himself, and pouring into the water everything He stands is and everything for which he stands. 
 
Let us ask Our Lord to keep us committed to his vision of the Kingdom in all ways and at all times; in thought, word and deed.   
  (Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
(Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768-  Contributo: Bill Perry )
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Homily (Fr Peter Dillon)
Homily Baptism of the Lord Year C 2022

I have only recently come to appreciate how often we priests are connected to important beginnings in people's lives. With the many Baptisms we are asked to celebrate, we come to be part of those times when people like to commemorate with a sense of occasion.

So the relatives are called in, photographers are hired, solemn words are spoken, music is played and there is an atmosphere of rejoicing, a real celebration. But a celebration of what?

By far the most popular sacrament we priests get to celebrate is Baptism. There is so much to celebrate and anticipate. What will this child become? Will they be talented in the arts or sport? Will they grow to have a great influence on the world or will they become wonderful parents themselves passing on a faith tradition to their own children?

While it may be full of joyous anticipation it is also probably the most misunderstood sacrament of all. I hear phrases like "we must get the baby done or even dunked. New parents are so overcome with the wonder of their new arrival that they are too busy to take in what is going to be celebrated. There is so much that we would hope they might understand about the sacrament that by the time it is over, the moment for teaching and learning has past and they have moved on to the next big event.

At baptism, we are formally welcomed and named in the context of the family of God's people. The child is introduced to the community who is to journey with them and assist them as they grow to maturity. At baptism, our bodies are anointed with two different oils, one as a sign of protection, the other as commissioning for future responsibilities.

Sadly some people feel that the sacrament of Baptism is simply a pleasant ritual that publically acknowledges the birth of a child. They see it a purely symbolic. Many parents see baptism as an end rather than a beginning, leaving their child to find their own spiritual way in a world of many contrary values, hoping that their child might pick up some understanding of God along the way.

Baptism, therefore, is not simply acknowledging this new relationship between God and the newly baptised, but it is also an acceptance of participation in the mission of the people of God. We hear that Jesus spent almost 30 years preparing for his Baptism, growing in his understanding of what was being asked of him, being prepared by his parents to take on duties befitting the Son of God. When we welcome the newly baptised we call them 'children of God', just like Jesus. Why is our responsibility any less onerous?

After his Baptism Jesus becomes widely known as a wandering preacher with a unique prophetic mission. Clearly, something happened when Jesus was with John. He underwent a change that gave his life a new direction. John the Baptiser was integral to this breaking forth of Jesus.

We also hear that after his baptism Jesus was at prayer and then the heavens opened as a sign that the Spirit was descending upon the man Jesus. Luke now celebrates this time when God no longer holds back and lets the world know that his son is now ready for his public ministry. He is anointed for his prophetic mission by the Holy Spirit, the great enabler, who helps people achieve God's plan. So Jesus is not alone when he makes his great beginning. He begins his journey in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the love of the Father.

As we look at Jesus public beginning, we should look again at our own beginnings. And if some of them look a bit shabby and half-hearted we take consolation from the Gospel challenge to begin again. This is an appropriate time to see how well we have responded to our call. Have we played an active part in proclaiming the good news, or have we been content to let others do that while we simply listen?

Cardinal Newman once said that he feared nothing would change for most Christians if we found out Christ was a fable. So it is therefore sensible to ask has our life changed for the better, been more fulfilled because of our baptism? Is our life with Christ a gift or a burden?
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References:

prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily by fr peter Dillon

The New Community Bible. 2012. Strathfield, N.S.W.: St. Pauls.  ^

Liturgia Commentary.  Baptism of the Lord Year C.  Liturgy Brisbane. © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2018; 

THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY; 

SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ;  

2010 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille; 

PATRICE J. TUOHY, PrepareTheWord.com, 2008, TrueQuest  Communications, LLC


Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768-  Contributo: Bill Perry


The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time)  (Sunday, January 9, 2022)  (EPISODE: 344)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{Peace and Patience to you all}}

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27+28, 29-30. "Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 3:16). Alleluia, alleluia! John said: He who is to come is mightier than I. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Baptism of the Lord
EP I
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: v6 )
(pre+post variation: v2-long)
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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise and reflection upon our loving God.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria,  Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -      Shure MV5 –USB -  

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2022]
May God bless and keep you.
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[ Production -  KER -  2022]

May God bless and keep you.
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