First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11
Psalm: 103:1-2. 3-4. 24-25. 27-30. “Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!”
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Gospel Acclamation: cf Luke 3:16
Gospel: Luke 3:15-16. 21-22
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Baptism of the Lord. Year C. - Sunday, 13 January 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/baptism-of-the-lord-c-faith-hope-and-love (EPISODE: 135)
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Baptism of the Lord. Year C. - Sunday, 13 January 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/baptism-of-the-lord-c-faith-hope-and-love (EPISODE: 135)
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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. Although Jesus is God, he was also fully human…. and in need of encouragement and affirmation and strength from his beloved father who was in heaven… and who happened to be 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 some, 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 silence. So we live in a world where there is too often criticism or else silence.
Then at other times, we can get the other extreme where people “compliment” others with empty or untrue words that do not connect with the reality of what is happening. False compliments do very little good. Still, others can feel that they should not praise others for fear that it might give the other a ‘big head’ or that the praise may be taken as mere flattery. Having said that, there is no substitute for sincere, heartfelt and constructive affirmation, encouragement and honest praise, which is a form of gratitude expressed in words. Affirmation is simply naming that for which we are grateful.
Affirmation is so important. Good managers know this, as do parents, teachers, coaches, counsellors, volunteer coordinators, and fundraisers. Anyone who is trying to get someone to take the next step, or stretch themselves, or to constantly strive to reach a higher level of commitment or performance, uses affirmation at appropriate times.
For people who live without affirmation, or who live with constant criticism; they get the powerful message that anything they do is never going to be good enough. But there is a difference between mere compliments and affirmation. A compliment can be a pleasant thing said, (sometimes a compliment is not even remotely accurate, but something a person might say, just to be 'nice'), but an affirmation confirms what one truly sees and experiences. For a person who gets false praise, they rely on what is said, but it misleads them 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, even when setbacks and the occasional mistake or failure come their way, and have developed resilience and are not defeated, because they believe in their inner value and the strength of their own worth, persevering through any struggles and challenges.
Today, in the Gospel, Jesus is revealed to be the chosen one, the eternal Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. He is the one in whom the Heavenly Father is most pleased and places all his confidence and trust.
The words used by the Father are interesting too…
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. Although Jesus is God, he was also fully human…. and in need of encouragement and affirmation and strength from his beloved father who was in heaven… and who happened to be 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 some, 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 silence. So we live in a world where there is too often criticism or else silence.
Then at other times, we can get the other extreme where people “compliment” others with empty or untrue words that do not connect with the reality of what is happening. False compliments do very little good. Still, others can feel that they should not praise others for fear that it might give the other a ‘big head’ or that the praise may be taken as mere flattery. Having said that, there is no substitute for sincere, heartfelt and constructive affirmation, encouragement and honest praise, which is a form of gratitude expressed in words. Affirmation is simply naming that for which we are grateful.
Affirmation is so important. Good managers know this, as do parents, teachers, coaches, counsellors, volunteer coordinators, and fundraisers. Anyone who is trying to get someone to take the next step, or stretch themselves, or to constantly strive to reach a higher level of commitment or performance, uses affirmation at appropriate times.
For people who live without affirmation, or who live with constant criticism; they get the powerful message that anything they do is never going to be good enough. But there is a difference between mere compliments and affirmation. A compliment can be a pleasant thing said, (sometimes a compliment is not even remotely accurate, but something a person might say, just to be 'nice'), but an affirmation confirms what one truly sees and experiences. For a person who gets false praise, they rely on what is said, but it misleads them 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, even when setbacks and the occasional mistake or failure come their way, and have developed resilience and are not defeated, because they believe in their inner value and the strength of their own worth, persevering through any struggles and challenges.
Today, in the Gospel, Jesus is revealed to be the chosen one, the eternal Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. He is the one in whom the Heavenly Father is most pleased and places all his confidence and trust.
The words used by the Father are interesting too…
- “You are my beloved Son,” Psalm TWO, was a passage traditionally interpreted by the people as a declaration of the Messianic King.
- “In whom I am well pleased..” is a familiar line from the prophet Isaiah (chapter 42:1-ff).…. Which culminates in the suffering servant……..(of chapter Isa. 53)… The Cross loomed large in Jesus’ vision right from the outset. So, Jesus knew that his ‘sonship’ and mission was always going to involve only being the beloved and faithful Son of God, revealed through his suffering and the cross, and not earthly glory or dominion. But it makes sense in the total commitment of Jesus to the vision of God’s Kingdom, which would challenge opposing powers and priorities and require all the love and sacrifice one could possibly muster. Jesus embodies this total commitment to his Father’s vision for the world and for us.
We who have been Baptised, in the Baptism of Jesus Christ, are called to remember the fullness of the meaning of this baptism. By being baptized, ”we are permanently and truly connected to Jesus Christ, and we share in his life and his relationship to the Heavenly Father. Our baptism is a real union with the life, values, and the person of Jesus, who is God made flesh. Let us be stirred into constant practical action, so as to live the Good news in our lives.
Our Baptism is intended to have a real, permanent and practical effect on our lives.
Our baptism, echoing Jesus’ action in the Jordan, is a huge “Yes” by 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 the Good News embodies. We want to be united with Jesus who is utterly committed to the establishment of the Kingdom in 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 those needing it, a repentance of sin. These baptisms were powerful but symbolic. They were repeatable. But Baptism into Jesus that we received, is once and for all. It is a grafting into the life of Christ, the life of God. Jesus made holy the waters of baptism, by investing this beautiful action with his very self and all He stands for. 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.
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REFERENCES:
FR. PAUL W. KELLY
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.
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
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Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
“Faith, Hope and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection” - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
[{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from “The Psalms: A New Translation” ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]
Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg’s 1993 book “ Together we pray”. Published in Sydney Australia By E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).
{ “Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin” -published 2011, Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
“Faith, Hope and Love” theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
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May God bless and keep you.
The Baptism of the Lord. Year C.
(Sunday, 13 January 2019)
(EPISODE: 135 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in Gods loving mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. 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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Memorial Acclamation
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Sundays Ordinary I
Eucharistic Prayer One
Communion side. pwk: LH
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Go forth, the Mass is ended.
