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WelcWelcoome me toto our Bib our Biblle e StudyStudy

January 9, 2011January 9, 2011The BThe Baaptism of the Lord ptism of the Lord AA

In preIn prepparation for this Sunday’s Liturgyaration for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharingIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst reading: Isaiah 4 reading: Isaiah 422:1-4, 6-7:1-4, 6-7 1 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, 2 not 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.

11stst reading: Isaiah reading: Isaiah 442:1-4, 6-72:1-4, 6-7 1 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, 2 not 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.

The focus is on God’s servant.

11stst reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Presentation of God’s servant to the People 1 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, 2 not 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.

God’s address to his servant 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.

A simple outline!

11stst reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Presentation of God’s servant

to the People 1 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, 2 not 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.

God’s address to his servant 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.

Commentary In vv.1-4, God presents his servant to the

people in Exile. V.1 indicates the status of God’s servant:

– Whom I uphold– My chosen one– With whom I am pleased– Upon whom I put my spirit.

God has a special relationship with his servant. V.1b indicates his servant’s mission:

– He shall bring forth justice to the nations. (tall order)

V.2 indicates that his servant will work for justice quietly. (not seeking publicity)

V.3 indicates that his servant will not cut short anything that is about to end or decapitate, but will have the patience to let nature take its course. (He is patient.)

In v.4, the justice to be established by God’s servant will be universal.

In v.4, God’s servant is also seen as a teacher.

11stst reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Presentation of God’s servant

to the People 1 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, 2 not 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.

God’s address to his servant 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.

In v.6, God tenderly speaks about his servant’s vocation.

He will be victorious in his fight for justice. (successful, effective)

God has shown himself to be a kind father to his servant/son.

“He holds him by the hand” evokes the tender guidance of the Father to his son.

“I formed you” may no longer refer to his being formed in his mother’s womb, but to his education, formation as his servant grows up. (formed)

Vv.6-7 also indicate the big mission of his servant:– To be a covenant of the people

(source of bonding)– To be a light to the nations (guide)– To open the eyes of the blind (gives

understanding)– To bring out prisoners from the

prison cell (liberator)– To bring those in darkness out of

dungeons (redeemer, ransom-er).

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading Like God’s servant in Isaiah, we are also called to Like God’s servant in Isaiah, we are also called to

establish justice upon the earth.establish justice upon the earth. We have been called to serve God’s interests by We have been called to serve God’s interests by

virtue of our baptism.virtue of our baptism. It is a contradiction in terms if we, Christians, cause It is a contradiction in terms if we, Christians, cause

injustice, or, if we do not work for justice.injustice, or, if we do not work for justice. Now we do not talk of justice due only to us, Now we do not talk of justice due only to us,

individuals, but also due to society individuals, but also due to society (social justice)(social justice) and and to the environment to the environment (environmental justice).(environmental justice).

We can’t establish justice if we are isolated from We can’t establish justice if we are isolated from one another. one another. (need for networking)(need for networking)

Resp. Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10Resp. Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 R. (11b) R. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with The Lord will bless his people with

peace.peace.

1 Give to the LORD, you sons of God,1 Give to the LORD, you sons of God,give to the LORD glory and praise,give to the LORD glory and praise,2 Give to the LORD the glory due his name;2 Give to the LORD the glory due his name;adore the LORD in holy attire.adore the LORD in holy attire.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters,3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters,the LORD, over vast waters.the LORD, over vast waters.4 The voice of the LORD is mighty;4 The voice of the LORD is mighty;the voice of the LORD is majestic. the voice of the LORD is majestic.

9 The God of glory thunders,9 The God of glory thunders,and in his temple all say, “Glory!”and in his temple all say, “Glory!”10The LORD is enthroned above the flood.10The LORD is enthroned above the flood.

Resp. Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10Resp. Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 R. (11b) 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.

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.

9 The God of glory thunders,and in his temple all say, “Glory!”10The LORD is enthroned above the flood.

Commentary Vv.1-2 exhort us to give glory

to God. V.2 exhorts us to worship

God in holy (proper) attire. Vv.3,4, 9-10 give us the

reasons for giving God the glory.

The psalmist uses the forces of nature to portray God’s presence.

God pervades over all (the imagery recalls Genesis 1,1-3 or the flood story).

The author uses the vocabulary of the ancient Canaanites.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm

God does not only speak to us tenderly. He also speaks to us thunderously, shaking us

or even frightening us. God makes himself felt through his voice. Therefore, when we hear his voice, when he

shakes us, we must render him glory. If we do not hear his voice, we must seek

healing. We might be spiritually dead.

22ndnd reading: Acts 10:34-38 reading: 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, 38 how 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.

22ndnd reading: Acts 10:34-38 reading: 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, 38 how 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.

The focus is on the anointed Jesus.

22ndnd reading: Acts 10:34-38 reading: Acts 10:34-38God himself 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.

God through Jesus Christ 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, 38 how 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.

A simple outline!

22ndnd reading: Acts 10:34-38 reading: Acts 10:34-38God himself 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.

God through Jesus Christ 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, 38 how 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.

CommentaryCommentary Intro: Peter, the apostle, preaches in the Intro: Peter, the apostle, preaches in the

house of Cornelius, a Gentile. He explains house of Cornelius, a Gentile. He explains why he is there. why he is there. (in previous verses)(in previous verses)

In v.34, Peter affirms that God has no In v.34, Peter affirms that God has no partiality.partiality.

God does not discriminate against the God does not discriminate against the Gentiles. Gentiles.

God accepts all individuals who fear him God accepts all individuals who fear him and are righteous. and are righteous. V.35V.35

V.36 recalls God’s dealing with the V.36 recalls God’s dealing with the Israelites through Jesus Christ.Israelites through Jesus Christ.– Peace is proclaimed through Jesus Christ.Peace is proclaimed through Jesus Christ.

V.37 points to the events after the baptism V.37 points to the events after the baptism of Jesus by John.of Jesus by John.

V.38 points also to the event when God V.38 points also to the event when God anoints Jesus with the Holy Spirit and anoints Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power.power.– This is the baptism of Jesus.This is the baptism of Jesus.

V.38b indicates the mission of Jesus after V.38b indicates the mission of Jesus after his baptism.his baptism.– Doing goodDoing good– Healing those oppressed by the devil Healing those oppressed by the devil

(exorcism) (exorcism)

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading As God loves everyone, so must we. Jesus’ ministry consists in healing and casting out demons

and in doing good works. In our baptism, we are called to share in the mission of

Jesus (preaching, healing, exorcising demons of our society, and forgiving).

Let us not squander our vocation. Let us take responsibility… let us not prolong our

adolescence. Let us not become instruments of the devil that promotes

complacency and negligence. Let us live as committed / engaged Christians.

Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Gospel reading: 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?" 15 Jesus 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."

Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Gospel reading: 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?" 15 Jesus 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."

The focus is on the baptism of Jesus.

Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Jesus coming for baptism 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?" 15 Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him.

After the baptism of Jesus 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."

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Jesus coming for

baptism 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?" 15 Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him.

CommentaryCommentary In v.13, Jesus volunteers to be In v.13, Jesus volunteers to be

baptizedbaptized.. In v.14, John does not feel at In v.14, John does not feel at

ease with Jesus coming to him ease with Jesus coming to him for for baptismbaptism. .

John realizes his sinfulness and John realizes his sinfulness and Jesus’ holiness.Jesus’ holiness.

In v.15, Jesus pleads with him.In v.15, Jesus pleads with him. Reason: to fulfill all Reason: to fulfill all

righteousness. It is OK with God righteousness. It is OK with God if he is if he is baptizedbaptized. .

It is righteous to do so.It is righteous to do so. John obeys even if he does not John obeys even if he does not

understand.understand.

Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17After the baptism of

Jesus 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."

Matthew does not describe how John baptized Jesus.

In v.16, Matthew describes what happens after the baptism of Jesus:– The heavens are opened.– He sees the Spirit of God

descending upon him. – A voice speaks.

It affirms the identity of Jesus: God’s beloved Son.

It repeats what is said in the first reading.

The synoptics agree that before Jesus begins his The synoptics agree that before Jesus begins his mission, he must first be mission, he must first be baptized,baptized, where he is where he is introduced to the people as God’s beloved Son.introduced to the people as God’s beloved Son.

At At baptismbaptism, Jesus is identified as coming from , Jesus is identified as coming from God, as possessing the power of the Holy Spirit, God, as possessing the power of the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and might.with wisdom and might.

Without Without baptismbaptism, Jesus cannot begin his mission., Jesus cannot begin his mission.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading Like in the baptism of Jesus, we are publicly

declared by God as his children, his sons and daughters.

We belong to God’s family. If we belong to God, then we have to live

according to his grace. Sin (un-Christian attitudes and behaviors, irreverence) should

have no place in our hearts and minds. We live according to our dignity as God’s children,

possessing God’s spirit of love, freedom and righteousness.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm

From the Christian point of view, From the Christian point of view, the first reading the first reading speaks of Jesus as the speaks of Jesus as the servantservant, the , the chosenchosen and and the the beloved one of Godbeloved one of God, who has a big mission on , who has a big mission on earth.earth.

The The psalmpsalm exhorts us to give glory to God, who exhorts us to give glory to God, who speaks in a loud voice, so audible that we cannot speaks in a loud voice, so audible that we cannot ignore him.ignore him.

The gospel readingThe gospel reading describes how Jesus is describes how Jesus is baptized. He is declared as the baptized. He is declared as the beloved son of beloved son of GodGod. It is the beginning of his mission.. It is the beginning of his mission.

In the second readingIn the second reading, Jesus, as , Jesus, as baptized,baptized, goes goes around from Galilee, doing good works and around from Galilee, doing good works and powerful deeds not only to the Jews but also to powerful deeds not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles.the Gentiles.

How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing

The The baptismbaptism of our Lord is the theme of this of our Lord is the theme of this Sunday’s liturgy.Sunday’s liturgy.

His His baptismbaptism is not that of repentance, but the is not that of repentance, but the beginning of his mission.beginning of his mission.

In his In his baptismbaptism, God introduces Jesus to the people , God introduces Jesus to the people as his beloved son.as his beloved son.

For us, listeners, we must take Jesus seriously. He is not an ordinary person, nor just one of the

religious charismatic leaders. He is God-sent, anointed, comes from God and

has a divine mission.

He does this through his words and deeds. His words are his sayings, parables, teachings,

etc. His deeds are his miracles, healings, casting out

of demons, and forgiving.

His awareness as the Son of God, beloved, chosen one, etc., makes him stand by his mission.

This feast is a good occasion for us, Christians, to This feast is a good occasion for us, Christians, to reflect on our baptism.reflect on our baptism.

Our baptism purifies us from our sins and Our baptism purifies us from our sins and removes the original sin.removes the original sin.

We are also declared by God as his beloved ones, We are also declared by God as his beloved ones, his sons and daughters.his sons and daughters.

Our Our baptismbaptism incorporates us into the family of incorporates us into the family of God, in the Church, Christ’s body.God, in the Church, Christ’s body.

Our baptism marks the beginning of our mission. Doing nothing to spread the good news is

reneging in our vocation as Christians. Having no drive nor the energy to do some

mission and apostolate renders meaningless our identity as Christians.

There is no meaningful Christian life without a commitment.

The Christian parents must be the first teachers of their children on faith and morals, on human values like justice and peace, harmony, love of our planet earth, etc.

They must also study their faith. Deep understanding of Christian faith makes one

committed to it.

Catechism must be supported at all costs. Alas, many of our churches spend more money

for renovations, physical improvements, and decorations than supporting the catechists and educating young people to the true faith in God.

Many church leaders and pastors are also misguided regarding their priorities.

Sharing in the mission of Christ by virtue of our baptism is not a picnic, but an intelligent commitment and a total sacrifice to combat evil and promote God’s interests

We have been baptized to enable us to We have been baptized to enable us to participate in the participate in the eucharisticeucharistic celebrations. celebrations.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, we express our belief that we , we express our belief that we are God’s children and we find meaning in our are God’s children and we find meaning in our identity only in the practice of our faith, in being identity only in the practice of our faith, in being committed.committed.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, we show our consent to God , we show our consent to God that we will share in His mission.that we will share in His mission.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, Jesus comes to console us in , Jesus comes to console us in the midst of the world’s opposition to be the midst of the world’s opposition to be evangelized by us.evangelized by us.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace

Nominal christians (Christians in name)

Ignorance of faith Negligent parents in terms

of teaching their children how to pray and fear God

Tyrant missionaries Ill-equipped missionaries Spiritually dead Christians

Whole family read the Bible, they go to Church.

Missionaries focused on evangelization, not on gadgets

Prayerful missionary presence

Committed Christians Engaged Christians

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

Go Tell EveryoneGo Tell Everyone Isang PananampalatayaIsang Pananampalataya ServiceService Christmas songsChristmas songs