Greetings on this a Christmas Weekday
Readings: 1 Jn 5:5-13; PS147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11
Notes
Our Christmas season winds down with the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday and Monday. Thereafter we begin a period of ordinary time. Today we focus on what Lord God has to say about Jesus. A Father speaking for a Son is always a moment of note. There are many ritual moments in life that we stop all activity and allow the Father to speak or perform a ceremonial for the Son in the presence of those so honored to be there.
In respect to the Sacraments we always talk in term of three parts:
- What we say (form).
- What we do (function).
- What we use (matter).
Note that form and function are usually spoken of as ‘form’. So we say: form and matter of the Sacraments.
Today’s first reading and gospel portion focuses on the anointing ceremonial that accompanies the beginning of Jesus’ Messianic (Anointed One) mission. His anointing to his mission is the baptism of John. The outward appearance is the minister – i.e., John the Baptist. The interior minister is God himself.
- What we say (form). John says nothing. The Lord God says “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
- What we do (function). John wets Jesus in water (pour or dunk). The Lord God descends – the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him and the heavens are tore open.
- What we use (matter). John uses water. The Lord uses himself. The oil of the person of God.
Summary
We celebrate today in the Christmas season the end of the division between God and Man. The heavens are torn open. The theophany of God is in Father (voice), Son (Jesus) and Spirit (Dove), the revelation of the Triune God. The height of revelation of the personhood of the Lord. At Jesus’ death another torn sacramental. But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised (MT 27:50-52).
The story of the life of Jesus is the removing any and all distance between God and Man.
Reflection
The busyness of our life hides things. Signs of love and respect are often set aside for the mundane of household chores, careers and other obligations of life. But we must, and consistently, remember love, especially the divine love. In the baptism of Jesus (celebrated only in two more days) we do that. A Father speaks for His Son and the Son is given his treasure (love) to make increase.
Personal Reflection
I always remember the baptism of Jesus as the completion of his nativity of his personal revelation and the beginning of his authority, power and visible concern for our wellbeing. I want to be tore open too. The heavens – so I can see my final end. The inner most sanctuary of me – so the Lord make take his rest in my deepest interior place.
First Reading
Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and Blood. The Spirit is the one who testifies, and the Spirit is truth. So there are three that testify, the Spirit, the water, and the Blood, and the three are of one accord.
I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God.
Responsorial
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Gospel Acclamation
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
Gospel
It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry