Today's Gospel - January 9, 2012 with reflection

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

1^st READING - Isaiah 55:1-11

P S A L M - Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

2^ND READING - 1 John 5:1-9

GOSPEL

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John saw Jesus approaching him, and said: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Mark 1:7-11

7 This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

SABBATH

YOU ARE MY BELOVED The liturgy of our Lord’s baptism sets the scene for Ordinary Time, that season of the Church where we reflect on the events of Jesus’ life until His passion. This year, we read from the Gospel according to Mark, the simplest and perhaps most revealing of the humanity of Jesus. Jesus, the Son of man, baptized in the River Jordan, prepares to undertake His public ministry. Luke tells us that Jesus is 30 years of age when He begins His public ministry. Whenever I read the account of the baptism of Jesus, I am always struck by the words from the Father: “You are my beloved Son. On you my favour rests.” I am certain that these words rang in Jesus’ ears and mind throughout His life, especially at the most trying and difficult times. Yes, it is true, Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father, the One sent by the Father, willing to give His life for the glory of the Kingdom. These words are addressed to us at baptism, too, when we begin our life in the Church. At baptism, thanks to Jesus, we are made children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus. God doesn’t have grandchildren. All of us are children of God. St. John reminds us in his letter: “Think of the love the Father has lavished upon us by letting us be called God’s children” (1 John 3:1). The words the Father spoke to Jesus are worthy of our meditation today. They can serve as our prayer mantra: “I am the Beloved child of God.” You are God’s son or daughter! Wow! How awesome is that — the child of the Creator, Almighty, Powerful and Ever Living God whom Jesus teaches us to call “Abba,” “Daddy”? I used to think it corny when people would tell me that God loves me. But it is an amazing fact that can change our life’s course if we let it sink into the depths of our being. Take some time today to bathe in the Father’s love for you. He loves you. You are His child. And God the Father delights in you. St. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. We owe a lot to Jesus for what He has made possible through His life, death and resurrection. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL REFLECTION QUESTION: Pray the words of the Father in your prayer and reflection time. Then take it through the day, especially when hard times come your way. Thank You, Father, that I am Your beloved child. Amen.