SCRIPTURE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
The Baptism of the Lord First Reading Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
The passage from Isaiah that we hear proclaimed today is part of the 'Suffering Servant' prophecies. One section of the book
of the prophet Isaiah focuses on the Suffering Servant of God. God will send one who will be a true servant, and Yahweh's
spirit will dwell in him. He will be known for his humble ways; and though he will be humble, he will also perform mighty
deeds. His mission is to proclaim good news to the poor, give sight to the blind and bring freedom to prisoners-to those
who live in darkness.
It is not easy being God's chosen one-especially in today's world.
To be a follower of God often means that one is willing to be ridiculed and despised. That certainly fits the description
of 'Suffering Servant!' But since we are God's 'favored and chosen' ones, we can move forward in confidence. God
also promised us his Spirit, and it is through his Spirit that we are able to not only be a light to others and assist those
in need, but also to have the courage to continue onward when challenges confront us. "I the Lord have grasped
you by the hand...," he assures us (v.6). Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us as we begin
the New Year. Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
In
these verses of Acts, Peter gives us a summary of the mission of Jesus. Peter gave this teaching in the house of Cornelius,
a pagan Roman soldier who converted to Christianity. Peter related to his audience how Jesus was sent by God.
His public ministry began with his baptism by John in the River Jordan. He was sent by God to bring peace and healing
to a hurting world. His was a compassionate service to God's people. God's presence was within him during his
entire life on earth.
When one was baptized by John in the river, it was a sign of a change
of heart, a turning away from sin and a turning to God. When Christ was baptized he was without sin; he had never turned
away from God. Christ represented us sinners at his baptism and guaranteed us heaven. He opened the door to salvation
to everyone! Whoever accepts God does God's will.
Because of God's tremendous love for
us, he wants us to share in his divine gifts, and he shows no partiality; all are welcome! "In every nation whoever
fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him (v. 35)" We, too, are asked to welcome all people, no matter
the culture or the color of skin. We are all God's children. Inclusivity is the theme of this reading. Once
again, through the power of the Holy Spirit may we reach out to all people in need with love and compassion; let no prejudice
deter us from the mission of Christ. Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
When John the Baptist appeared out of the desert and began preaching and baptizing, he caused great excitement. People
came from all over the country. Some of the men stayed with him and became his disciples. Others began to discuss
if he might be the promised Messiah. John promptly denied this. He told them that one more powerful than he was
to come: "I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals (v. 16)."
Jesus later
came upon this scene and was baptized. Upon Jesus' baptism, God the Father's voice proclaims that this was his Beloved
Son with whom he was well pleased (v. 22). The Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove.
It was
while Jesus was praying, after he had been baptized, that the heavens opened up and the Holy spirit came to him. Jesus
always prayed intensely at key moments in his life. He recognized that many challenges lay before him. yet, isn't
that the meaning of Christianity? To follow the path of Christ one must follow in his footsteps, be they joyful or painful,
until we arrive at the Resurrection. It all begins with our Baptism. We've been anointed with the Holy Spirit
just like Christ, and he promises to accompany us on our journey, if we but call on him. -Sunday, January 10, 2010
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