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06 Dec 2015 - Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

In the 15th year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the chief-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet: Thunder in the desert! “Prepare God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight! Every ditch will be filled in, Every bump smoothed out, The detours straightened out, All the ruts paved over. Everyone will be there to see The parade of God’s salvation” (from Luke 3). Taken from The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition by Eugene Peterson (ACTA Publications, 2014 ); actapublications.com; 800-397-2282.

john the baptist baptism

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In other words

31 May 2015 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Cycle B

Meanwhile, the 11 disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age” (from Matthew 28). Taken from The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition by Eugene Peterson (ACTA Publications, 2014 ); actapublications.com; 800-397-2282.

evangelize baptism

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Exploring the word

11 Jan 2015 - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle B

Nothing could be more common than water. It’s available in plastic bottles everywhere we go, offered by the glass for free on most restaurant tables. It comes out of the tap in our homes and we take that privilege for granted—except in those rare moments when it’s just not there for some municipal reason. The typical American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day for drinking, cooking, showering, laundering, lawn maintenance. Also, one-third of our national water usage gets flushed away in our bathrooms, to the tune of $5 billion every year. In the biblically arid land of Israel—dependent on one viable lake and a single unimpressive river and its tributaries for its water source—water was deeply prized and appreciated. Maybe the idea of a water ritual sounded different to such people than it does to those of us who shower routinely or take a dip at the pool and think nothing of it (although the Ice Bucket Challenge sure got a lot of press this past year!). Some water rituals do remain a source of fascination, like the old-time dunking pond. When it costs you something to plunge under the water, it suddenly makes sense to be in the moment and pay attention. Water rituals such as the dunking pond, Ice Bucket Challenge, or Baptism are not really about the water, which is the most visual aspect of the event. It’s about the person undergoing a test of nerve and resolve. Are you in or out? Do you have what it takes to brave the moment and endure the thrill of the uncertain plunge? Because water, like wind and fire and earth, contains an element of danger. Drowning and flooding happened often enough in ancient times to imprint its terror on the human psyche. Babies still cry when the trickling baptismal water touches their scalp. We know instinctively that an encounter with water could cost us something, perhaps everything we have. Our RCIA graduates could probably say more about the cost of Baptism than those of us who encountered the sacrament pre-verbally. For adult catechumens, Baptism starts with a conscious decision to enter into a long process of preparation, study, and self-examination. At first, the road to adult Baptism requires mostly the investment of time, itself a dear thing in our chronically active age. It also asks us to be in the moment, to pay attention, to ask the right questions, to test our hearts against the answers. We do a lot of things every day in a half-aware state, hardly remembering where we went, what we ate, how the hours fled or dribbled away. The focus of those preparing for Baptism is to wake up, and to stay awake. Maybe if we used ice water, and the whole assembly had to take the plunge annually, our baptismal commitment would really get our attention! Related scripture links God sees what is in the heart: Luke 16:15; Acts 15:8 In Christ no Jew or Gentile: Gal. 3:26-29; 4:6-7; Col. 3:11 God’s anointed: Luke 4:16-21 The Father and Jesus are one: John 22-23

Authors Alice Camille

baptism Rituals

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The inner word

11 Jan 2015 - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle B

We all like to be told, “Good job.” It’s even better to be told, “You’re a really great person.” Deep in our hearts, we all long to hear the words that Jesus heard as he broke through the waters of the Jordan at his Baptism: “You are my beloved child of whom I am well pleased.” Our truest identity is beloved son or daughter of God. Knowing our true identity tells us not only who we are, but also what our mission is. In Isaiah, God tells the servant leader, “I have formed you . . . as a light for the nations.” God forms us “as a light for the nations.” Where have I seen signs of God’s forming me in my past–in school, with family and friends, through trial and difficulty, through grace? John the Baptist says of Jesus, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Where in my own experience do I see the effects of this infusion of the Holy Spirit in my life and ministry? What have been some of the fruits of this Baptism?

baptism recognition

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11 Jan 2015 - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle B

As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a Kingdom life. His Baptism—a holy Baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.” At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life” (from Mark 1). Taken from The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition by Eugene Peterson (ACTA Publications, 2014 ); actapublications.com; 800-397-2282.

baptism

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Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle B

11 Jan 2015

SUNDAY SUMMARY Isaiah 55:1-11 or 42:1-4, 6-7 The faithful servant of God bears the spirit of the one who sends him. Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 or Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 The voice of the LORD can be heard over the vast waters. 1 John 5:1–9 or Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 Baptism starts with John, and the gift of the Spirit with Jesus. Mark 1:7-11 John agrees that water Baptism is important, but the arrival of the Spirit even more vital.

Mark 1:7-11 Isaiah 55:1-11 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 1 John 5:1-9 Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 Jesus' Baptism

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In other words

07 Dec 2014 - Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle B

The good news of Jesus Christ—the Message!—begins here, following to the letter the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Watch closely: I’m sending my preacher ahead of you; He’ll make the road smooth for you. Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight! John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey. As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out” (from Mark 1). Taken from The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition by Eugene Peterson (ACTA Publications, 2014 ); actapublications.com; 800-397-2282.

john the baptist baptism

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Sign & sacrament

12 Jan 2014 - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A

In his birth (Christmas), his adoration by the Magi (Epiphany), and the coming of the Spirit upon him (Baptism of the Lord) Jesus is revealed to be the Son of God. These significant events in Jesus’ life are so closely tied that the Eastern Orthodox Church observes the coming of the Magi and the Lord’s baptism on the same day. In the same way our own births and baptism signal that we are children of God and followers of Christ. As a new year begins, find ways to reconnect with your family of faith and make daily choices that reveal your divine heritage. For more “Sign & sacrament” material, search the Prepare the Word database by today’s scripture reading, a particular theme, or a special occasion.

baptism Epiphany

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Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A

12 Jan 2014

SUNDAY SUMMARY Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 The servant of God champions the light over humanity’s darkness. Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 God’s voice, mighty and majestic, is heard by those who worship in his house. Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 Saint Peter comes to recognize that God seeks and accepts all those who act uprightly. Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus pleases God by the total submission of his will to the divine will.

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus' Baptism

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Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle C

13 Jan 2013

SUNDAY SUMMARY Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or 40:1-5, 9-11 Every valley is filled, every hill brought low to prepare the way of the Lord. Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30 The majesty of God can be seen in light and water, wind and fire. Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 God’s generous love and rich kindness are revealed in Christ our hope. Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 The people are hopeful that John might be the Christ, but he waits for another.

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30 Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Jesus' Baptism

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