When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone.
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins —
to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace,
to make music in the heart.
Baptism of the Lord
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. When we hear God’s words that Jesus is his beloved, we know that we, too, are beloved sons and daughters of God. Baptism identifies us as God’s own children.
To the point: John is pointing to a baptism greater than his and to a person greater than him. Jesus asks John to baptize him to “fulfill all righteousness” and thus show forth his continuity with the tradition in which John stands. But more happens. When the heavens open, the Spirit descends, and Jesus is announced as the “beloved Son,” a new tradition is born, and humanity’s relationship with God is changed forever.
Connecting to the Gospel (Matthew 3: 13-17) to the first reading: Isaiah speaks of a servant in whom God is pleased, upon whom God’s spirit rests, through whom God’s work of justice is brought to completion. This servant image is fulfilled in Jesus who is announced in the gospel as the “beloved Son.”
Connecting to the Gospel to our experience: The economy identifies us as consumers, and our purpose in life is to buy. The entertainment industry identifies us as spectators, and our role is to “tune in.” Baptism identifies us as God’s beloved children, and our calling is to remain faithful to our identity and act in accord with our new relationship with God.
Centering prayers
The Gospel
(Matthew 3:13-17)
And a voice came from the heavens saying,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus, you are baptized, and the very heavens
are opened. We see the holy dove and hear
the Father’s voice on high.
Let us come up from the water, too,
into a new life of your Spirit and of your love.
And take the grace of our baptism to everyone on Earth.
The First Reading
(Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7)
He shall bring forth justice to the nations.
Lord, give light. Give it for all nations.
Grasp everyone by the hand.
Lead the prisoners out from their jail cells,
and out of the darkness those whose eyes grow dim.
The Second Reading
(Acts 10:34-38)
In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
God. your love knows no limits.
You send Jesus for all times and for all people.
Our desire is to help spread this Good News
in our own time. Let it be.
Copyright © 2019, Anne M. Osdieck
Music for reflection