Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 01-13-13, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 01-13-13 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

January 13, 2013

 

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

 

Reading 1 Is 42:1-4, 6-7

Thus says the LORD:
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.

Or Is 40:1-5, 9-11

Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Go up on to a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by a strong arm;
here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 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.

Or Ps 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

R. (1) O bless the Lord, my soul.
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
you are clothed with majesty and glory,
robed in light as with a cloak.
You have spread out the heavens like a tent-cloth;
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.
You have constructed your palace upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot;
you travel on the wings of the wind.
You make the winds your messengers,
and flaming fire your ministers.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.
How manifold are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you have wrought them all—
the earth is full of your creatures;
the sea also, great and wide,
in which are schools without number
of living things both small and great.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.
They look to you to give them food in due time.
When you give it to them, they gather it;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.
If you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul.

Reading 2 Acts 10:34-38

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.”

Or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Gospel Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”

[Salvation]

The Work of God

 

Year C

 -  The Baptism of the Lord

You are my beloved Son; in You I am well pleased

Luke 3:15-16 21-22

15 And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ;
16 John answered, saying unto all: I indeed baptize you with water; but there shall come one mightier that I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
21 Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened;
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: You are my beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I descended from Heaven with the special mission of redeeming the human race. This would involve first of all the cleansing of souls by repentance and then the commitment from all those who follow me through baptism.

The Holy Trinity was present in the solemn event of my Baptism. My Father spoke lovingly from Heaven confirming that His favour rests on me. I sanctified the waters of baptism, opening the way for the purification of souls. The Holy Spirit descended upon me to fill me and to strengthen me for my work on earth.

I set an example for all to follow, in fact Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian Life. Those who believe in my teachings and are baptised will be saved. In baptism I fill the soul with the fire of my Holy Spirit, I make the soul a part of my mystical body, I grant my sanctifying grace to the spirit of the baptised so that his conscience will carry the light that I came to give to the world.

In baptism you are clothed with my grace, my light and my protection, in other words you are clothed with Christ. My light is that power that the soul needs to grow, to thrive and to acquire the merits of my salvation.

For those who repent and desire to be purified with the waters of salvation, I grant the fire of the Holy Spirit to increase their faith and to make them see with the eyes of the spirit, a heavenly gift that is hidden to those who prefer the world. I baptise with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

When a child is baptised, he carries the seeds of my love within him, he becomes my son, my beloved and my favour rests on him. I send my Holy Spirit to guide him through life and my sanctifying grace to lead him; he has very intimate encounters with me in the practice of his faith and in the Sacraments of the Church.

When and adult is baptised, he experiences my love and my mercy, I forgive all his sins and he is clothed in my light. Even though he is old, he is born again into life.

There is only one baptism; this is the firm ground on which the other sacraments rest for the sanctification of the soul.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

[Salvation]

Archdiocese of Washington

Jesus does not go into the Water alone. He takes us with Him. A reflection on the Baptism of the Lord

By: Msgr. Charles Pope

Today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a moment to reflect not only on the Lord’s baptism, but also on our own. For in an extended sense, when Christ is baptized, so are we, for we are members of his body. As Christ enters the water, he makes holy the water that will baptize us. He enters the water and we follow. And in these waters he acquires gifts to give us, as we shall see below.

Let’s examine this text in three stages:

1. The Fraternity of Baptism – The text says After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized”

Luke puts the fact of Jesus’ baptism in the middle of a sentence. Perhaps he mentions it in passing because he, like many of us  is puzzled about Jesus requesting baptism.  Why? John’s baptism of repentance presumes the presence of sin. But the scriptures are clear, Jesus had no sin.

1. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15 ).
2. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin (1 John 3:5 ).

Jesus identifies with sinners, even if he never sinned. As he comes to the riverside he has no ego concerns. He is not embarrassed or ashamed that some might think him a sinner even though he was not. It is a remarkable humiliation he accepts to be found in the company of sinners like us, and even to be seen as one of us. He freely enters the waters and, to any outsider who knew him not, he would simply be numbered among the sinners, which he was not.

Consider how amazing this is. The Scripture says He is not ashamed to call us his Brethren (Heb 2:11). It also says God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21).

Jesus ate with sinners to the scandal of many of the religious leaders: -This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” (Lk 15:2). Jesus was known as a friend of sinners, had pity on the woman caught in adultery, allowed a sinful woman to touch him and anoint his feet. He cast out demons and fought for sinners. He suffered and died for sinners in the way reserved for the worst criminals. He was crucified between two thieves and He was assigned a grave among the wicked (Is 53).

Praise God, Jesus is not ashamed to be found in our presence and to share a brotherhood with us. There is a great shedding of his glory in doing this. Again, Scripture says, [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself (Phil 1:3)

2. The Foreshadowing of our Baptism – In accepting Baptism, Jesus does not enter the water alone. He takes us with him, for we are members of His Body. He the Head of the Body, goes where the members will follow. St. Maximus says:

I understand the mystery as this. The column of fire went before the sons of Israel through the Red Sea so that they could follow on their brave journey; the column went first through the waters to prepare a path for those who followed……But Christ the Lord does all these things: in the column of fire He went through the sea before the sons of Israel; so now in the column of his body he goes through baptism before the Christian people….At the time of the Exodus the column…made a pathway through the waters; now it strengthens the footsteps of faith in the bath of baptism. (de sancta Epiphania 1.3)

So what God promised in the in the Old Testament by way of prefigurement he now fulfills in Christ. They were delivered from the slavery of Egypt as the column led them through the waters. But more wonderfully, we are delivered from the slavery to sin as the column of Christ’s body leads us through the waters of baptism. God’s righteousness is his fidelity to his promises. Hence Jesus says, in his baptism and all it signifies (his death and resurrection) he has come to fulfill all righteous and he thus fulfills the promises made by God at the Red Sea and throughout the Old Testament.

3. The Four Gifts of Baptism - The Text says, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.“

Eph 5:30 says we are members of Christ’s body. Thus when Jesus goes into the water we go with him. And in going there he acquires four gifts on our behalf as this text sets them forth. Lets look at the four gifts he acquires on our behalf:

1. Access - the heavens are opened . The heavens and paradise had been closed to us after Original Sin. But now, at Jesus’ baptism, the text says the heavens are opened. Jesus acquires this gift for us. So, at our baptism, the heavens open for us and we have access to the Father and to the heavenly places. Scripture says: Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, (Romans 5:1) It also says, For through Jesus we have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Eph 2:17). Hence the heavens are opened also at our own Baptism and we have access to the Father.
2. Anointing - the Spirit of God descends on him like a dove – Here too, Jesus acquires the Gift of the Holy Spirit for us. In Baptism we are not just washed of sins, but we also become temples of the Holy Spirit. After baptism there is the anointing with chrism which signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit. For adults this is Confirmation. But even for infants, there is an anointing at baptism to recognize that the Spirit of God dwells in the baptized as in a temple. Scripture says, Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16)
3. Acknowledgment – You are my beloved Son. Jesus receives this acknowledgment from his Father for the faith of those who heard, but also to acquire this gift for us. In our own Baptism we become the children of God. Since we become members of Christ’s body, we now have the status of sons of God. On the day of your Baptism the heavenly Father acknowledged you as his own dear Child. Scripture says: You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Gal 3:26)
4. Approval – With you I am pleased . Jesus had always pleased his Father. But now he acquires this gift for you as well. Our own Baptism gives us sanctifying grace. Sanctifying grace is the grace to be holy and pleasing to God. Scripture says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Eph 1:1-3)

Thus, at his Baptism, Christ acquired these gifts for us so that our own Baptism we could receive them. Consider well the glorious gift of your Baptism. Perhaps you know the exact day. It should be a day as highly celebrated as your birthday. Christ is baptized for our sakes, not his own. All these gifts had always been his. Now, in his baptism he fulfills God’s righteousness by going into the water to get them for you. It’s alright to say, “Hallelujah!”

[Salvation]

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Baptism of the Lord
II: Acts 10:34-38

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Gospel
Luke 3:15-16,21-22

15 As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ,
¹⁶ John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
²¹ Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened,
²² and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased."

---

Interesting Details

• (v.15) John's mission as Jesus' forerunner was so powerful that the people at that time began to believe that he was the promised Messiah they had expected for generations.
• (v.16) John pointed out that his baptism used water to get rid of sins, but there will be one whose baptism will be with the power of the Holy Spirit, which is more than just an act of cleansing. This was a very important announcement of the coming of Jesus with His mission as the Savior.
• (v.21) Jesus went right in to be baptized like one of the people before Him; He was praying and the Heaven was open. An extraordinary event was happening here: Jesus has just reached the boundary which had been set by sins, and His prayer has re-established the connection between Heaven and Earth.
• (v.22) The Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove, which is a symbol of love, life, and union with God.
• The Father was pleased with what Jesus has just done; His beloved son has restored the relationship between God and His people, enabling each human being to come back to the loving Father.

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One Main Point

Jesus has come to restore the relationship between the humanity and God which had long been divided by the boundaries set by sins. He has baptized us with the Holy Spirit to enable us to cross these boundaries and come back to God.

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Reflections

1. Once baptized by Jesus through the Church, my relationship with God has been restored. However, I still have the freedom to choose between God's way and my own. Which one am I choosing?
2. Realizing that I have been baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit, how am I going to cross the barriers set up by sins to come back to God who has been loving and waiting for me?

[Salvation]

Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Baptism of the Lord (Feast)

First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 29:1-4, 3, 9-10 Acts 10: 34-38 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 The man who burns with the fire of divine love is a son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and wherever he goes, he enkindles that flame; he desires and works with all his strength to inflame all men with the fire of God's love. Nothing deters him: he rejoices in poverty; he labours strenuously; he welcomes hardships; he laughs off false accusations; he rejoices in anguish. He thinks only of how he might follow Jesus Christ and imitate him by his prayers, his labours, his sufferings, and by caring always and only for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. -- St Anthony Mary Claret

[Salvation]

Just A Minute (Listen) Some of EWTN's most popular hosts and guests in a collection of one minute inspirational messages. A different message each time you click.

[Salvation]

The Angelus 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary . . . 

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary . . . 

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray: 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. 

[KeyLargo]

NPR Anchor Compares Catholic League To The Ku Klux Klan…

http://weaselzippers.us/

[Salvation]

Saint Hilary, Bishop & Doctor of the Church

Saint Hilary,
Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Optional Memorial
January 13th


Anonymous illumination, St. Hilary writing his commentary on Matthew

Saint Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) was a leading defender of the Church against the Arian heresy. He wrote twelve books about the Holy Trinity as well as commentaries on St. Matthew's Gospel and the Psalms.

Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

 Collect:
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we may rightly understand and truthfully profess
the divinity of your Son,
which the Bishop Saint Hilary taught with such constancy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.

First Reading: 1 John 2:18-25
Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come; therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and know that no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what He has promised us, eternal life.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-19
"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

---

Related Link on Vatican Website: Benedict XVI, General Audience, Saint Peter's Square, Wednesday, October 10, 2007, Saint Hilary of Poitiers

Related Links on New Advent Website:
St. Hilary ..

- On the Councils, or the Faith of the Easterns
- On the Trinity
- Homilies on the Psalms

[Salvation]

Saint's Days are always superseded by the Sunday liturgy. Nevertheless......

The Father's Gift In Christ [by Saint Hilary of Poitiers, bishop]
The Life and Writings of Saint Hilary of Poitiers[Bishop and Martyr]
St. Hilary of Poitiers

[Salvation]

Information: St. Hilary of Poitiers

Feast Day:	January 13
Born:	300, Poitiers
Died:	368, Poitiers

[Salvation]

Interactive Saints for Kids

St. Hillary of Poitiers

 
Feast Day: January 13
Born:315 :: Died:368

In the early centuries of Christianity, there were still many people who did not believe in God as we do. They believed that there were many gods, some more powerful than others. These people were not bad. They just did not know any better. They were called pagans.

St. Hilary was born into just such a family in Poitiers, a town in France. His family was rich and well-known. Hilary received a good education. He married and raised a family.

Through his studies, Hilary learned that a person should practice patience, kindness, justice and these good acts would be rewarded in the life after death.

Hilary's studies also made him realize that there could only be one God who is eternal, all-powerful and good. He read the Bible for the first time. When he came to the story of Moses and the burning bush, Hilary was very impressed by the name God gave himself: I AM WHO AM.

Hilary read the writings of the prophets, too. Then he read the whole New Testament. By the time he finished, he was completely converted to Christianity and was baptized.

Hilary was such a good Catholic that he was made bishop. This did not make his life easy because the emperor was interfering in Church matters. When Hilary refused to do wrong as the emperor commanded him, he was sent away from the country.

Hilary did not let this worry him, instead with great courage and patience he accepted the emperor's punishment calmly and used the time to write books explaining the faith to the pagans.

Since he was becoming famous and many pagans were converting to Christianity, Hilary's enemies asked the emperor to send him back to his hometown. There he would not be able to create too much trouble.

So Hilary returned to Poitiers in 360. He continued writing and teaching the people about the faith. Hilary died eight years later, at the age of fifty-two. His books are used by the Church even today. That is why he is called a Doctor of the Church.

[Salvation]

 

Catholic

Almanac:

Sunday, January 13
Liturgical Color: Green
St. Colette, founder of the Colettine Poor Clares, was born on this day in 1381. At the age of 25 she had a vision telling her to reform the Poor Clares. In her lifetime, she founded 17 new Poor Clare convents and reformed several more.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: January 13, 2013
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

• Kutia
• Christ’s Diapers

ACTIVITIES

• Activities for the Feast of the Baptism of Christ
• Christmas and the Eucharist
• Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album

PRAYERS

• To Jordan's Water

LIBRARY

• Feast of the Baptism of the Lord | Pope Benedict XVI

Christmas: January 13th

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Old Calendar: Feast of the Holy Family

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end the season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord's second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His baptism in the Jordan. Jesus descended into the River to sanctify its waters and to give them the power to beget sons of God. The event takes on the importance of a second creation in which the entire Trinity intervenes.

In the Eastern Church this feast is called Theophany because at the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan God appeared in three persons. The baptism of John was a sort of sacramental preparatory for the Baptism of Christ. It moved men to sentiments of repentance and induced them to confess their sins. Christ did not need the baptism of John. Although He appeared in the "substance of our flesh" and was recognized "outwardly like unto ourselves", He was absolutely sinless and impeccable. He conferred upon the water the power of the true Baptism which would remove all the sins of the world: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who takes away the sin of the world".

Many of the incidents which accompanied Christ's baptism are symbolical of what happened at our Baptism. At Christ's baptism the Holy Spirit descended upon Him; at our Baptism the Trinity took its abode in our soul. At His baptism Christ was proclaimed the "Beloved Son" of the Father; at our Baptism we become the adopted sons of God. At Christ's baptism the heavens were opened; at our Baptism heaven was opened to us. At His baptism Jesus prayed; after our Baptism we must pray to avoid actual sin.

— Excerpted from Msgr. Rudolph G. Bandas

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Customs on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
In the Ukraine the faithful gather in the front of the church where a cross of ice is placed. Since there are no rivers near churches, a tub is filled with water and is placed in front of the ice cross. During special and very unique services the water is blessed and brought home. This is taken in before breakfast is eaten. The remains are kept during the year to keep the home safe from fire, lightening and sickness.

The priest visits his parishioners to bless their homes with the holy water that the New Year may be one of cooperation with the gift of God; His Son and the participation in the Life He has come to lead us in toward Salvation. The evening meal is very much a repeat of the Holy Supper except that there are no restrictions on meat and dairy products. It starts with Kutia, which has been saved from Christmas Eve.

The Twentieth Day of Christmas

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
The mystery of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan by St John, the Precursor, proposes the contemplation of an already adult Jesus. This mystery is infinitely linked to the Solemnities of the Lord’s birth and the Epiphany that we have just celebrated, as in some ways it takes up and represents their significance to us.

At Christmas we have contemplated the human birth of the Word incarnate by the Virgin Mary. In the 4th century, the Fathers of the Church deepened the understanding of the faith with regard to the Christmas mystery in the light of Jesus’ Humanity. They spoke of the Incarnation of the Word already working like the ‘Christification’ of that humanity that he had assumed from His mother. Or put in simpler terms: Jesus is the Christ from the first instant of conception in Mary’s spotless womb because He Himself, with His Divine Power, consecrated, anointed and ‘Christified’ that human nature with which He became incarnate.

In the mystery of the Epiphany, we then meditated on Christ’s manifestation to all nations that was represented by the Magi, the wise men from the East, who came to adore the Child.

Now, in the mystery of Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan River, we again encounter and represent the truth of the Lord’s incarnation and His manifestation as the Christ. Jesus’ Baptism is in fact His definitive manifestation as the Messiah or Christ to Israel, and as the Son of the Father to the entire world. Here we find the dimension of the Epiphany which was His manifestation to all nations. The Father’s voice from heaven shows that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son and the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows the Trinitarian nature of the Christian God. The true and unique God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, shows Himself in Christ, through Him, with Him and in Him.

The Baptism in the Jordan returns to the great Christmas theme of ‘Christification’, Jesus of Nazareth’s spiritual anointing, His presentation as the Anointed One per excellence, the Messiah or the One sent by the Father for the salvation of mankind. The Spirit that descended on Jesus shows and seals in an incontrovertible way the ‘Christification’ of Jesus’ humanity that the Word had already fulfilled from the first moment of His miraculous conception by Mary. Jesus, from the very beginning, was always the Lord’s Christ, He was always God. Yet, His one, true humanity, that which is perfect in every way, as the Gospel records, constantly grew in natural and supernatural perfection. ‘And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and with men’ (Lk2:52). In Israel at 30 years of age, one reached full maturity and therefore could become a master. Jesus came of age and the Spirit, descending and remaining on Him, definitively consecrated His whole being as the Christ.

The same Spirit, that descended on the water of the River Jordan wafted over the waters during the first creation. (Gen 1:2) Therefore, the Baptism in the Jordan presents yet another truth: that Jesus has started a new creation. He is the second man (1 Cor 15:47) or the last Adam (1 Cor 15:45), that comes to repair the first Adam’s guilt. He does this as the Lamb of God that takes away our sins. ‘Looking at the events in light of the Cross and Resurrection, the Christian people realised what happened: Jesus loaded the burden of all mankind’s guilt upon His shoulders; he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan. He inaugurated his public activity by stepping into the place of sinners.’ (J Ratzinger, Jesus of Nazareth, Bloomsbury 2007, p18)

Excerpted from the Congregation for the Clergy

[Salvation]

January 13, Feast of the Baptism of Christ Today we celebrate the baptism of Christ in the Jordan. This is the second epiphany, or manifestation, of the Lord. The past, the present, and the future are made manifest in this epiphany. The most holy one placed Himself among us, the unclean and sinners. The Son of God freely humbled Himself at the hand of the Baptist. By His baptism in the Jordan, Christ manifests His humility and dedicates Himself to the redemption of man. He takes upon Himself the sins of the whole world and buries them in the waters of the Jordan. — The Light of the World by Benedict Baur, O.S.B. Day Twenty activity (Renewal of Baptismal Vows) Day Twenty recipe (Christ's Diapers)

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Doctors of the Catholic Church

Saint Hilary is the Doctor of Christ's Divinity. He was one of the Early Church Doctors and defended Jesus Christ as the Word of God. He is called the Doctor of Christ’s Divinity.

As bishop, he brilliantly defended the sacred humanity of Jesus. He was the only married Doctor of the Church and can readily identify with married couples. Hilary would wholeheartedly endorse the Retrouvaille program, listed in the link below, and all organizations and groups that keep couples together, strengthens them, bonds and unites them, and empowers them individually with their families, relatives, friends, associates and those they interact or communicate with regularly.

The church has many saints and blessed who were not priests, clergy or in a religious order and many are contained in the link below and the name of the book is Secular Saints and these include both married couples and individuals.

The Doctors And Secular Saints

Certainly, the Retrouvaille program is one the best programs to join for married couples and others should they experience difficulties, challenges, and serious problems in their marriages and are searching for unity and the solution with God’s grace. See link below.

Retrouvaille

Saint Hilary protected the church and its members by defeating Arianism which denied the divinity of Christ.

For those Christians who can not identify with Christ as God but think it is possible, don't be afraid to approach Hilary. If you feel reluctant to talk with anyone who has died for any reason, just imagine that Hilary is truly listening to you by God's power. If you are a non-believer, don't be afraid to investigate Hilary, for when he lived on earth, he too was a non-believer at one time. He was all these and more.

One of his titles was "The Athanasius of the West" after the great Eastern Doctor and The Father of Orthodoxy, St Athanasius.

Hilary was criticized, slandered, and banished from his country. By refusing to obey the Emperor, he was exiled. He boldly and bravely defended Jesus Christ in his fullness, both sacred humanity and eternal divinity.

Saint Hilary clung to his faith when most yielded to worldly, authoritative powers and influences. He surrendered to God, lived his faith, faithfully, and would not be intimidated.

We can learn a lot from his life summary below and through the many links herein.

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St Hilary, 315-368. Doctor of Christ's Divinity. Feast, Jan 13th.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

The Baptism of the Lord

You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. (Luke 3:22)

Last year, before the London summer Olympics, the 1981 film Chariots of Fire was rereleased for the big screen. It’s a stirring true story about British runners at the 1924 Olympics—one of them, the Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell. The movie accurately depicts Liddell as a devout Christian. And though it shows him explaining his athletic motivation in words he probably never spoke—“When I run, I feel his pleasure”—the line is a window into how Liddell related to God in real life.

When I run, I feel his pleasure. Think about that statement for a minute. Are there times when you experience God’s delight in you? How would you fill in this blank? “I feel God’s pleasure when I _______________.”

Do you rest secure in the knowledge that your Father loves and affirms you? Or do you feel overlooked or rejected by a God who finds you wanting? If you oscillate between these two poles, as many of us do, you’ll find an important message in Jesus’ baptism.

Why, do you think, did the sinless Son of God embrace a baptism of repentance? One simple answer is this: so that each of us could hear our Father say, “You are my beloved child. With you I am well pleased”! This isn’t wishful thinking. When you were baptized, you were united to Jesus and drawn into his relationship with the Father. That means that as you seek it out, you really can experience the Father’s love for you!

Do you believe that God rejoices in you? If you’re not living in that reality, ask him for whatever you need to restore that baptismal flow of love—insight, healing, a spirit of repentance. Then, not only when you’re running, praying, or working, but at all times, you can rejoice in your identity as a beloved child who makes your Father smile.

“Jesus, with a thankful heart, I stand with you in the Jordan today. Let nothing separate me from you. Father, show me your love!”

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38

 

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

1. The first reading is one of several prophecies about Jesus in the book of Isaiah. How has Jesus fulfilled the prophecy described in the first reading?

2. In the Responsorial Psalm, we are invited to give to the Lord “glory and praise” (Psalm 29:1). What are some reasons from your own life that lead you to give the Lord glory and praise?

3. In the second reading, through his visit to Cornelius’ home, God broke through Peter’s misconceptions and prejudices towards non-Jews to reveal to him that the gift of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior was not for the Jewish people alone (as he had previously believed), but also for Gentiles as well. In the Church we see some of this in reverse now, that is, there are misconceptions and prejudices towards Jewish people. What are some of these prejudices? What steps you can take as Catholics to help eradicate these prejudices and promote mutual understanding between Christians and Jews?

4. In the Gospel, God the Father speaks these words to Jesus: “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Spend a few minutes in prayer and reflection and allow God the Father to speak these same words to you: “You are my beloved son/daughter); with you I am well pleased.” What was your experience during this quiet time of reflection?

5. The meditation poses three profound questions: 1) “Are there times when you experience God’s delight in you?”, 2) “Why, do you think, did the sinless Son of God embrace a baptism of repentance?” and 3) “Do you believe that God rejoices in you?” How would you answer these questions?

6. The meditation also states that “When you were baptized, you were united to Jesus and drawn into his relationship with the Father. That means that as you seek it out, you really can experience the Father’s love for you!” Do you believe this? Why or why not?

7. Take some time now to pray and ask God the Father for a deeper knowledge and experience of his great love for you as his beloved son/daughter. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

GOD GAVE HIS ETERNAL LIFE TO YOU

(A biblical refection on THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD – Sunday, 13 January 2013)

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-16,21-22 

First Reading: Is 40:1-5,9-11; Psalms: Ps 104:1-4,24-25,27-30; Second Reading: Tit 2:11-14;3:4-7 

The Scripture Text

As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, John answered them all, “I baptize you with water; but He who is mightier that I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art My beloved Son; with Thee I am well pleased.” (Lk 3:15-16,21-22) 

Jesus taught His disciples from pure, divine knowledge filtered through gritty, human experience. He could speak of forgiving others because He had learned to forgive His enemies. He could say that giving was better than receiving because He had given Himself completely and received with great measure from the Father. He could speak about the power of the Holy Spirit to change people’s lives because, as a man, He Himself had been filled with the Holy Spirit.

At Jesus’ baptism “the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, as a dove” (Lk 3:22). This anointing began a new stage in Jesus’ life. His public ministry included an outward display of miracles, an ability to preach with authority, victory over demons, and more. There could be no doubt about it: Something very dramatic was introduced into the world on that day, and Jesus Himself knew it (see Lk 4:18).

Do you know, my dear sisters and brothers, what happened to you when you were baptized? Like Jesus, your baptism included power for ministry, with an added and amazing bonus. When you were baptized, you (or your godparents) did not just give your life to God. God gave His eternal life to you!

Along with the power to move the Gospel out into the world, you have received a fundamental interior change. The same Spirit that flowed in Jesus now flows in each of us, giving us all a share in His divine nature. It is this participation in His life that enables us to be His instruments in the world. Take time today to read these passages on baptism: Acts 2:38-39; 2Cor 1:21-22; Tit 3:4-7; and Pet 1:3-4. Ponder these passages and let God awaken your imagination and fill you with great expectation for all that you can become in Christ.

Short Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am really amazed at what You have given me in Christ. Open the eyes of my heart to see the spiritual blessings that are mine. Expand my understanding so that I may grasp all that is mine through baptism. Amen.

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

A KIND OF SECOND BIRTHDAY

(A biblical refection on THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD – Sunday, 13 January 2013)

First Reading: Is 40:1-5,9-11; Psalms: Ps 104:1-4,24-25,27-30; Second Reading: Tit 2:11-14;3:4-7; Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-16,21-22  

THIRTY quiet years had passed. Now it was time to go to work. His first step was to seek out His cousin John, daily growing in popularity because of his famous Jordan River baptisms. Jesus all received the “baptism of repentance,” not because He was a sinner but to identify Himself and His imminent mission with and for sinful community. 

Tradition says that this took place on the west side of the Jordan, approximately four and one half miles north of the Dead Sea. As the cool river water flowed over His head and body, and He heard the voice from heaven, Jesus knew He was now a public figure. He was moving swiftly toward center stage, from where He would never retreat. John likewise would change, for his public stature would soon be dwarfed by the increasing popularity of Jesus. 

Immediately afterward, the Lord hurried into the mountains near Jericho to finalize His plans, pray to His Father and be tested by the forces of evil. Then, He began His three year non-stop mission of preaching, curing, counseling, building for the future and dying for the liberation of humanity. Yet the first public step had been baptism, and He saw His entire mission as its fulfillment. “I have a baptism to receive and what anguish I feel until it is over” (Lk 12:50). 

That same Spirit-filled water at one time flowed over our heads. Regardless of our ages, it was our first step in faith. Even though most of us do not remember the event, it charted our course toward Christ. 

The Church continually tries to impress on us the dignity of this sacrament of initiation. Parents requesting baptism for their children are expected to faithfully attend Mass as a sign of their Christian sincerity. Adults asking for this beginning sacrament must first devote much time so prayer and study. 

Baptism is the foundation of the sacramental system. It is so basic to our spiritual life that it is a kind of second birthday. Jesus explained it to Nicodemus as being born again (Jn 3:3). 

Do you know when and where you where baptized? If not, why not find out and celebrate it as your birthday in faith? You might attend Mass that day, say a rosary, make a holy hour, or reread the baptismal promises and meditate on their meaning. 

“This is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased,” can be applied to anyone who lives his or her baptismal promises faithfully throughout life. 

Note: Taken from Fr. James McKarns, GO TELL EVERYONE, Makati, Philippines: St. Paul Publications, 1985, pages 203-204.

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for January 13, 2013:

Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Baptism includes symbols such as water, candles, and white robes that point to a deeper commitment of faith. Ask your beloved what the key element of faith is for him/her.

[Salvation]

Sunday Scripture Study

The Baptism of the Lord - Cycle C

January 13, 2013

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer  

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm: 29:1-4, 9-10

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

• The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. We are now in the “C” cycle of readings, which means that for the remainder of this year (until next Advent season) our Sunday Gospels will be taken mostly from the Gospel of Luke.

• In this Sunday’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist, who was sent as a

precursor (or herald) of the Messiah, but who had developed a popular following by those who wondered if he might be the long anticipated Jewish Messiah. John, however, makes it clear he is not (see John 1:6-8, 19-28 and John 3:25-30)

• (Verses 17-20, omitted from this Sunday’s reading, describe John’s anticipatory ministry as one of calling the people to repentance by readying themselves for the coming of the Messiah, and also describe how John’s ministry came to an end.

• When Jesus is baptized by John at the beginning of his public life, Jesus’ divinity is revealed and he is anointed for his mission in visible and audible signs.

 

QUESTIONS:

• Why do the people confuse John with Christ (verse 15; John 1:19-28)? By contrast, how does John differentiate himself and his ministry? How can you emulate John’s attitude in verse 16?

• Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized (Matthew 3:13-15; Mark 10:35-39; Luke 12:49- 50; CCC 536)?

• Why did God choose this time to announce the presence of his Son (Luke 3:16-18; Acts 10:38)? Why was it necessary for that announcement to be audible (John 11:41-42)? How was this announcement pre-announced in the Old Testament (see First Reading)? How was it remembered later in the early Church (see Second Reading)?

• How significant is it that Jesus is praying right after his baptism and before the Spirit alights on him (verse 21. See New American Bible note on verses 21-22 and CCC 2600)?

• Do you remember to pray at important times in your life?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 536, 694, 696, 701, 2600

 

Prayer is the best weapon we possess, the key that opens the heart of God.  -St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)