Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part
Daily Marriage Tip for January 12, 2014:
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday) “Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” (Mt 3:13) Remember your baptism today, and that of your children. Look at pictures and share memories. Are you a godmother or godfather? Pray for your godchild today.
Sunday Scripture Study
The Baptism of the Lord- Cycle A
January 12, 2014
Click here for USCCB readings
Opening Prayer
First Reading:
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 Psalm:
29:1-4,9-10 Second Reading:
Acts 10:34-38 Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
- The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. We are now in the “A” cycle of readings, which means this year our Sunday gospel will be taken mostly from the Gospel of Matthew.
- In Matthew’s gospel, this is the first time we see Jesus since we are told he returned from Egypt as a child after fleeing from the murderous King Herod (Matthew 2:19-23). These 30 some years are often referred to as Jesus’ hidden or “silent” life. Traditionally, rabbis did not engage in teaching until they were 30 years old.
- When John protests Jesus’ coming to him to be baptized, Jesus explains to him it is fitting to allow it “to fulfill all righteousness.” Righteousness in this context means the plan worked out by God for man’s salvation (Matthew 5:6; 6:33).
- The baptism of Jesus by John marks the beginning of our Lord’s public life. His divinity is revealed and he is anointed for his mission in visible and audible signs.
- (In 2002, in the document Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope John Paul II proposed the Baptism of the Lord as the First Luminous Mystery of the Most Holy Rosary.)
QUESTIONS:
- According to St. Peter in our 2nd Reading, when did Jesus’ public ministry begin in earnest? In what way was his power manifested from then on?
- How would you apply the words of the prophet Isaiah in the 1st reading to the anointing and mission which Jesus received at his baptism? How would you apply it to the anointing and mission that you received at your own baptism and confirmation?
- Why did Jesus, who was without sin, come to John to be baptized? What “righteousness” did he fulfill (see Isaiah 53:12)? What do you think verse 17 meant to Jesus? How does this set the stage for his ministry to begin?
- Why did God choose this time to announce the presence of his Son (Luke 3:16-18; Acts 10:36)? Why was it necessary to be audible (John 11:41-42)?
- What kind of righteousness does God have in mind for you? What does he want the outcome of your life to be?
- How has God affirmed you as his child in Christ?
Closing Prayer
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 444, 535-537, 1223-1225, 1286-1297
If you have sincere piety, the Holy Spirit will descend on you also and you will hear the voice of the Father saying to you from above: “This was not my son, but now after baptism he has been made my son.” --St. Cyril of Jerusalem