First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Reflection:
This passage is the first of four “Servant Songs” from the Prophet Isaiah, speaking of the servant of the Lord. It is likely that in the original context the “servant” referred to the nation of Israel. In that context, this passage explains the purpose of God’s covenant people: to be “a light for the nations, etc.” In other words, the Israelites were never supposed to keep the truth of God to themselves; they were called to share it with the nations (i.e. the Gentiles). Thus, here we see God’s intention of welcoming the Gentiles into covenant relationship with Him. In the New Testament and early Church writings, this passage (along with the other three “Servant Songs”) were applied to Christ, recognizing Jesus as the servant. This is made explicit when Matthew quotes this passage at length, applying it to Christ in his gospel (see Matt. 12:18-21). It is also evident in this Sunday’s gospel reading in which the words of the Father at Jesus’ baptism (“You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”) and the descent of the Spirit of God clearly echo the statement of Isaiah (“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit”). Thus, this passage and its promises were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Reflection:
Despite the prophecies in the Old Testament of the Gentiles being included in the covenant with God (such as in the first reading), the Apostles and other early Christians did not at first welcome Gentiles to become Christians. The Book of Acts records how this understanding came about after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The back story to this reading, as recorded in Acts, is that the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, had a vision of an angel telling him to send for Peter. Meanwhile, Peter was given a vision declaring all foods clean, revealing that the Jewish food laws no longer applied to Christians. After that vision, Peter was invited by Cornelius’ messengers to come to his home. This reading picks up with Peter’s message to Cornelius and the other Gentiles gathered in his house. Peter recognizes that God welcomes those “in every nation,” and then he recounts the works of Christ. His statement that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” most likely refers to Jesus’ baptism, thus connecting it to the gospel reading and this Sunday’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Following this passage, Cornelius and those in his household receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized, making them the first Gentile converts and opening the door for many more, including us!
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:7-11
Reflection:
The Baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry. John, the forerunner, was preparing the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan as they acknowledged their sins. John also proclaimed that one greater than he would come and “baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8). With these things in mind, it is not surprising that John resisted when Jesus asked to be baptized by him. Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Why would he submit to John in this way? There are a number of reasons worthy of exploration. First, Jesus certainly was not baptized for forgiveness of sins, since He was sinless. There was no need for Him to repent. Still, in this act, He showed His solidarity with sinful humanity and gave indication of His role as Savior. Second, as indicated in the second reading, this event expresses Christ’s anointing as the Messiah. It also reveals His identity as the Son of God through the voice coming from Heaven, and it brings to light the Trinity through the action of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit seen at the baptism. Finally, Jesus’ baptism prefigures the Sacrament of Baptism that He would institute, in which we receive the Holy Spirit and are adopted as children of God, while also being cleansed of our sins.
Application:
- Since many Catholics are baptized as infants, you may not remember the event. Yet, no matter what age you were baptized, it still has the same effects: cleansing of sin, imparting of grace, giving of the Holy Spirit, adoption as a child of God, and incorporation into the Church. Take time today to thank God for the gift of baptism and reflect on the importance of your baptism.
- Baptism begins our covenant relationship with God. Like all covenantal relationships (e.g. marriage), this relationship takes work. Make an extra effort this week to invest time and energy into your relationship with God and ask for His grace to help you grow closer to Him.
