Reflections for Sunday, January 12, 2020
The Baptism of the Lord
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
Mass Readings:
1st Reading Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Responsorial: Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
2nd Reading: Acts 10:34-38 Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
Following in Jesus’ Footsteps and Proclaiming the Good News to Others
He shall bring forth justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1)
Today marks the end of the Christmas season. The stories of Jesus’ birth are over. Baptized by John and filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus is now ready to proclaim the good news. So let’s take a quick look back at some of the events that have brought us to this point.
We began Advent reading about how all the nations will stream to God’s holy mountain (Isaiah 2:1-5). But after that, we read mostly about humble, everyday people: the elderly priest Zechariah; Joseph, a prayerful carpenter and his young wife, Mary; shepherds on a hillside. There’s a short journey to Bethlehem, a simple birth, and a child in swaddling clothes. About the most glamorous event was a visit from some mysterious figures from the East.
So where are the “nations” that Isaiah prophesied?
Today’s feast offers an answer. Jesus isn’t waiting for the world to come to him; he is going out to it. He will accept baptism and then go out and “bring forth justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1). Filled with the Holy Spirit, he will travel all over Palestine and “open the eyes of the blind, . . . bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness” (42:7).
Ever since the day of his baptism, Jesus has been going out into the world. First he did it himself. Then he sent out Peter and Paul and the other apostles. And now he is sending you.
But don’t worry; he’s not sending you out alone. You are part of the “world” that Jesus is going out to minister to. Today and every day, he comes to fill you with the same Spirit that filled him at his baptism. So place yourself in today’s readings. You are God’s child, and he is pleased with you. He is asking you to “bring forth justice” to the little corner of “the nations” where you live—and he is with you to help you do it.
“Here I am, Lord! Send me out to share your good news.”
Questions for Reflection or Discussion:
1. The first reading is a prophetic description of many aspects of Jesus’ mission: 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.
- In what ways has Jesus fulfilled the mission described in these words of the first reading?
- How does it coincide with your understanding of his mission? How is it different?
- In what ways has he called you to continue this mission?
2. The Responsorial Psalm begins with these words: 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.
- How would you describe the ways you give the Lord glory and praise – and adore him?
- What are the challenges in your life that can prevent you from doing this?
3. In the second reading, these opening words of Peter at Cornelius’ home describe God’s great desire to reach all people: 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. It ends with these words: 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.”
- Why are Peter’s opening words that God shows no partiality just as important today?
- What steps can you take to promote peace through Jesus Christ, promote greater unity among Catholics and non-Catholics, and promote greater mutual understanding between Christians and non-Christians?
- Do you believe that God has anointed you with the Holy Spirit and power so that you can go about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil? Why or why not?
4. The Gospel reading describes Jesus’ Baptism: Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
- In what way did Jesus’ coming to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him show his obedience to the Father as his beloved Son?
- What do you think he meant when he said it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness?
- Through Jesus, who dwells in you, do you see yourself as a beloved son/daughter of your heavenly Father?
- In 2020, what do you believe God asking of you as a “beloved” son/daughter?
5. The meditation is a reflection on the first reading and Gospel reading It ends with these words: “Ever since the day of his baptism, Jesus has been going out into the world. First he did it himself. Then he sent out Peter and Paul and the other apostles. And now he is sending you. But don’t worry; he’s not sending you out alone. You are part of the ‘world’ that Jesus is going out to minister to. Today and every day, he comes to fill you with the same Spirit that filled him at his baptism. So place yourself in today’s readings. You are God’s child, and he is pleased with you. He is asking you to ‘bring forth justice’ to the little corner of ‘the nations’ where you live—and he is with you to help you do it.”
- The meditation tells us that “Jesus has been going out into the world,” but “now he is sending you.” What does it mean to you that “He is asking you to ‘bring forth justice’ to the little corner of ‘the nations’ where you live”?
- How can you respond to these words?
- Do you believe: “Today and every day, he comes to fill you with the same Spirit that filled him at his baptism”?
Take some time now to pray and ask the Lord for the grace to respond to his call to be his witness and share the good news with others. Use the prayer below from the end of the meditation as the starting point.
“Here I am, Lord! Send me out to share your good news.”
