Sunday Reading Reflections:

The Baptism of the Lord (feast)
January 13, 2008

READING 1: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Reading 1 Reflection:

In this reading the author tells us about a special servant of the Lord. He brings justice to God's people in ways that are peaceful and life-giving. He frees those who are imprisoned or wandering in the darkness. With a firm grasp, he takes God's people by the hand and guides them in keeping their covenant with God.

For Christians, this description of the servant of the Lord is an inspiring portrait of Jesus. He is the One who brings us peace, life, and freedom.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

What are some characteristics of this servant described here? Why does the Church identify this servant as Jesus? What do you learn about Jesus from this reading?

Who is the "you" in the second part of the reading? How can you carry out the mission assigned to you in this reading? Do you know anyone who is blind, imprisoned, or living in a dungeon? Keep in mind that this does not only mean physical conditions but spiritual conditions. However, be careful not to "over-spiritualize" this passage. God does want us to care about the physical world, including people who are physically or mentally challenged, in prison, or living in difficult conditions. How can you meet this challenge of care for those in spiritual or physical distress?

READING 2: Acts 10:34-38
Reading 2 Reflection:

Because God is just, God does not play favorites. All persons and nations are acceptable to the Lord. As Peter shares this welcome news with the household of the Roman soldier Cornelius, he can hardly wait to tell the entire Jesus story. He stresses how the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus at his baptism. After that, Jesus went forth to fulfill his ministry as the servant of the Lord.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

This reading is proof, if we needed proof, that human nature has not changed very much since the time of Peter. We are often wary of people who did not grow up as we did, who are somehow different from us in some way. Perhaps Peter was surprised that this former pagan, this Gentile, this Roman had also been accepted by God. It may not have been the way Peter had expected God to work, because God first chose the Jews to carry his message to the world. Have you ever been surprised by God's choices, perhaps even of yourself? Have you ever been rejected or prejudged (the word prejudice literally means "to prejudge")? How did you handle it? Were you able to continue to "fear God and act uprightly" no matter what others thought of you?

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
Gospel Reflection:

Why did Jesus insist that John baptize him in the Jordan River? Jesus had no sin to be washed away, no need to repent. But Jesus had a great need to cooperate with God's plan of salvation. And that plan required that he identify totally with the people he had come to save.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Note that Jesus does not contradict John when he says, "I should be baptized by you!"

In a very real way, John was right. However, Jesus only says, "Give in for now." Jesus had a bigger plan in mind, and he was asking John to cooperate by laying aside his own way of thinking "for now." Does God ever ask you to "give in" on smaller issues?

What is your response? How do you decide whether to "give in" or not? When it is important to you to be "right" and when can you lay aside your own way of thinking in order to let God's bigger plan unfold?

By our Baptism, we were given a share in Christ's life and ministry. He shares his identity with us. How will you live as another Christ, so that God will say of you,

"This is my beloved, on whom my favor rests?"

Reflection by: CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for people of faith"