Opening prayer: Thank you Jesus for gathering us together as we prepare to celebrate your Baptism and the beginning of your public ministry. Open our eyes to the meaning of our baptism. Fill us with your Spirit and help us never to be afraid to be public about our commitment to you. This we pray through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Sharing life: What are you least and most grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season. It also marks the beginning of Jesus’ Public Ministry. The first reading is a poetic invitation to seek the Lord and receive his blessings. In the second reading, John among other things, states that true love of God is shown by faithfulness to his commandments. In the Gospel, we listen to Mark’s account of Jesus’ baptism.

If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it either before or after you read each reading.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:1-11

In this oracle beautiful words are placed in God’s mouth: "All who are thirsty come to the water . . ."

(the waters of baptism). The reading also contains a strong exhortation to listen to God’s word. "Listen that you may have life." Also an exhortation "to seek the Lord while he may be found", a reminder that "our ways and thoughts are often not God’s ways and thoughts."

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Isaiah 12:2-5

With God as our savior, we need not be afraid.

SECOND READING: 1 John 5:1-9

This reading is a testimony to Trinitarian faith. It describes God as the one who begets (the Father); it identifies Jesus as the Son of God; and it credits the Spirit as the one who testifies to the triumph of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It also sketches the way believers participate in this Trinitarian reality.

Faith in Jesus makes us children of God. The reading also states that the commandments to be observed are not burdensome. The ‘blood and water’ reference points to Jesus’ baptism and sacrifice on the cross.

GOSPEL: MARK: 1:7-11

The gospel has two parts. In the first part, John clearly states that Jesus is more powerful than he is. Jesus is so much more powerful than John that he is not worthy to perform such a menial task, such as unloosening the strap of Jesus’ sandal. In stating this, John is not demeaning himself. Rather, he is glorifying Jesus.

In the second part of the reading, John contrasts their respective baptisms. His is with water. Jesus’ baptism will be with the Holy Spirit.

No explanation is given as to why Jesus would submit to a sinner’s baptism. Theologians usually interpret it as a sign of Jesus’ solidarity with sinful humanity.

The coming of the Spirit accompanied by the words: "You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased" is a beautiful act of divine affirmation on Jesus. The Spirit also is the one who will empower the human Jesus to do the works of God - preach with authority, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you most and why?

2. Jesus’ baptism was the beginning of his public ministry. For many Catholics their faith is a private matter. If you are public about your faith, when did this begin to happen? What helped you to be public about your Catholic faith? If you tend to be very private about your faith, what do you think causes you to be so private?

3. What does it mean to you to be a baptized Catholic?

4. Do you think that the church should baptize the children of non-church going Catholics?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s reading. Suggestion: Meditate on the awesome truth that trough baptism we are in Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be the arms, mouth, feet and heart of Christ to a hurting world.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for local, personal and global needs.