Our Sunday Reflections

CLICK HERE for the Audio recording of the Readings of
January 12th, 2020.
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

CLICK HERE for the Readings of January 12th, 2020.
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Welcome the Light into your Life by celebrating and receiving the Eucharist!

Sunday, January 12th, 2020.  Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
 

Who is Jesus?  

On this celebration of Jesus’ baptism, the Gospel of Matthew provides a clear answer:

Jesus is the Son of God.

Matthew also extends Mark’s account by including dialogue between Jesus and John over whether Jesus should submit to baptism. According to Matthew, John was concerned that he was unworthy to baptize Jesus. Nonetheless, Jesus wants to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). How should those who are baptized live in order to be righteous with Christ? The first and second readings offer guidance: Establish and inspire justice, and be open to all people.

The first reading is set during the Babylonian exile when the people of Judah were experiencing invasion, destruction and deportation. Isaiah implores them to be strong and bring forth justice like a smoldering wick. An unquenchable, burning flame symbolizes the endurance that is needed to “establish justice on the earth” (Isaiah 42:3). Likewise, Isaiah calls on the exiles to “be a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). We might, with good reason, be uncomfortable with placing the responsibility for inspiring change on those who are already victims of oppression. But those who suffer are often the greatest spokespersons and most compelling advocates. Isaiah recognizes how their example of endurance and fidelity empowers all of us to work tirelessly to achieve a just society, even when we might want to give up.

In the reading from Acts of the Apostles, Luke shows Peter developing a new perspective on Gentiles. Earlier in the narrative, Peter expressed reluctance about associating with non-Jews. After receiving a vision from heaven, Peter recognizes the errors in his ideas, and he becomes more open-minded (Acts of the Apostles 10:28-29). In turn, Peter embraces a meeting with Cornelius, a Gentile and a Roman centurion, because of how he lives, not because of who he is. Cornelius is affirmed as a person who respects God and lives an upright life, and Peter declares Christ as the Lord of all people (Acts of the Apostles 10:36). As the narrative continues, the Holy Spirit descends on the Gentiles, who are then baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts of the Apostles 10:44-48).

Jesus’ baptism reminds us of the implications of our own baptism in Christ, which requires us to live as Christ did. We should advocate for justice; and, like Peter, we should be open to critical self-reflection and improvement.

Jaime L. Waters teaches Scripture at DePaul University in Chicago. She is an associate professor of Catholic studies.


CLICK HERE for additinal information on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.


View the below video for another Sunday Reflection on the readings.