1ST READING
The sacrament of baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ. Jesus is baptized in order to sanctify the waters of baptism for all who follow Him. Jesus is sinless and so does not need the effect of the sacrament. In fact, what He does gives the sacrament its power by associating it with who He is as the Son of God. The voice from heaven is important as it affirms the identity of Jesus and reminds us to consider carefully all that He says and does.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
1 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, 2not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, 4 until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. 6 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, 7 to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
P S A L M
Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R: The Lord will bless his people with peace.
1 Give to the Lord, you sons of God, give to the Lord glory and praise, 2 give to the Lord the glory due his name; adore the Lord in holy attire. (R) 3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the Lord, over vast waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is mighty; the voice of the Lord is majestic. (R) The God of glory thunders, 9 and in his temple all say, “Glory!” 10The Lord is enthroned above the flood; the Lord is enthroned as king forever. (R)
2ND READING
It is clear that the sacrament of baptism was established early on in the life of the Church. Not only is there evidence that Jesus is baptized by John, but the practice continues throughout the ministry of Jesus and then that of the Early Church. It is also seen as a foundation to the whole idea of adult conversion. Let us never lose sight of its importance to our faith.
Acts 10:34-38
34 Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. 35 Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. 36 You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, 37 what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, 38how 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.”
GOSPEL
Jesus insists on being baptized as He knows His participation in this event will empower the sacrament that will be later used in the Church. Jesus explains that He does so in order to fulfill His obligations as a Jew, but there is more to it than that. It is critical to our understanding of the effect of baptism that we see how it incorporates us into the community of believers — those who believe that God has truly forgiven our sins and calls us into communion with Himself.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
Matthew 3:13-17
13 Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” 15Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. 16 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. 17 And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
think: The sacrament of baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today_
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR John 13-15
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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