“The Lord will bless His people with peace.”
Psalm 29
Icon Photo Credit: The Printery House, Conception Abbey, Conception, MO
Readings
Book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
Gospel According to Mark 1:7-11
Reflection
by Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, OBS
by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM
In this past week we grew through 30 plus years of the life of the Lord, watching the camels and kings depart; his consecration in temple, attested by Anna and Simeon, to his baptism in the Jordon River.
We assume that John and Jesus, being cousins, knew one another, had perhaps grown up together with Mary and Joseph and Elizabeth and Zachariah. John had been in the desert eating locusts and wild honey. Perhaps they had not encountered one another too frequently.
So this dramatic scene in the River Jordan is a new relationship for them. John KNEW Jesus was a special prophet. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” What a confirmation it must have been when the heavens opened and the Father proclaimed: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This begins Jesus public ministry! At this moment, Jesus is taken out of himself and missioned to go forth for the work He is sent to accomplish.
At our baptism, the heavens also opened up and the Father proclaimed: “You are my beloved daughter/son; with you I am well pleased.” Please take some time to relish the meaning of your baptism. Listen to our God say those words to you.
Jesus was baptized in part so we would KNOW that we too are beloved. He is our fierce protector throughout all of our lives. “He comes to the Jordan to tell us again that deep down we are good, we are fundamentally good, made in the image and likeness of God.” Chris Anderson, Light When It Comes
“We are not alone. God is with us, God breathes within us, God shines within us, God sends us forth. We could not have dared to hope for more.” Michelle Franci-Donnay
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God
and our ears to the voice from heaven that calls out this charge:
‘You that have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says…’ ” Prologue 9, 11
Gospel Acclamation
“The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” Cf .Mark 9:7