Christmas Weekday
Lectionary: 209
Lectionary: 209
Beloved:
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
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.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
Whoever believes in the Son of God
has this testimony within himself.
Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar
by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life;
whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.
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.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
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.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
Whoever believes in the Son of God
has this testimony within himself.
Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar
by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life;
whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.
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
PsalmPS147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
R. (12a) Praise
the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia SEE MK 9:6
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 1:7-11
This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
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."
or
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
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."
or
When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age.
He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias,
the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,
the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias,
the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel,
the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi,
the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam,
the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,
the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,
the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea,
the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,
the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed,
the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni,
the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,
the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug,
the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,
the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad,
the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared,
the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enos,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
or
When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age.
He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha,
the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse,
the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala,
the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin,
the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,
the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac,
the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,
the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Enos,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias,
the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,
the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias,
the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel,
the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi,
the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam,
the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,
the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,
the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea,
the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,
the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed,
the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni,
the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,
the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug,
the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,
the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad,
the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared,
the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enos,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
or
When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age.
He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha,
the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse,
the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala,
the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin,
the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,
the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac,
the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,
the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Enos,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Meditation: The Spirit descends upon the
Father's beloved Son
Why did Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to
John's baptism? John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of
sins (Luke 3:3) - of which Jesus had no need. However, in this humble
submission we see a foreshadowing of the "baptism" of his bloody
death upon the cross. Jesus' baptism is the acceptance and the beginning of his
mission as God's suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). He allowed himself to be
numbered among sinners. Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father's will.
Out of love he consented to this baptism of death for the remission of our
sins. Do you know the joy of trust and submission to God?
The Father proclaimed his entire delight in his Son
and spoke audibly for all to hear. The Holy Spirit, too, was present as he
anointed Jesus for his ministry which began that day as he rose from the waters
of the Jordan River. Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all who come to
believe in him. At his baptism the heavens were opened and the waters were
sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, signifying the
beginning of a new creation.
How can we enter into the mystery of Jesus' humble
self-abasement and baptism? Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390 AD), an early church
father tells us:
"Let us be buried with Christ by Baptism to rise
with him; let us go down with him to be raised with him; and let us rise with
him to be glorified with him."
Do you want to see your life transformed by the love
and power of Jesus Christ? And do you want to become a more effective
instrument of the Gospel of peace, mercy, and righteousness? Examine Jesus'
humility and ask the Holy Spirit to forge this same attitude in your heart. As
you do, heaven will open for you as well. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to renew
us in his Holy Spirit and to anoint us for mission. We are called to be
"light" and "salt" to those around us. The Lord wants his
love and truth to shine through us that others may see the goodness and truth
of God's message of salvation. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with his Holy
Spirit that you may radiate the joy of the Gospel to those around you.
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy
Spirit and inflame my heart with the joy of the Gospel. May I find joy in
seeking to please you just as you found joy in seeking to please your
Father."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The divine - human reconciliation,
attributed to Hippolytus, 170-236 A.D.
"Do you see,
beloved, how many and how great blessings we would have lost if the Lord had
yielded to the exhortation of John and declined baptism? For the heavens had
been shut before this. The region above was inaccessible. We might descend to
the lower parts, but not ascend to the upper. So it happened not only that the
Lord was being baptized - he also was making new the old creation. He was
bringing the alienated under the scepter of adoption (Romans 8:15). For
straightway 'the heavens were opened to him.' A reconciliation took place
between the visible and the invisible. The celestial orders were filled with
joy, the diseases of earth were healed, secret things made known, those at
enmity restored to amity. For you have heard the word of the Evangelist,
saying, 'The heavens were opened to him,' on account of three wonders
[appearance of the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together at the
baptism]. At the baptism of Christ the Bridegroom, it was fitting that the
heavenly chamber should open its glorious gates. So when the Holy Spirit
descended in the form of a dove, and the Father's voice spread everywhere, it
was fitting that 'the gates of heaven should be lifted up.'" (excerpt from THE DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY
THEOPHANY 6)
SATURDAY,
JANUARY 6, LUKE 3:23-38 or 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38
Christmas Weekday
(1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147)
Christmas Weekday
(1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147)
KEY VERSE: "I baptized with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit" (v 8).
TO KNOW: Whereas Matthew and Luke began their gospels with the Nativity narrative, Mark began with the Baptism of the Lord, the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Like the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8), John appeared in the desert proclaiming the coming salvation of God. John declared that he baptized those who wished to reform their lives and be forgiven their sins. But one mightier than he would come after him, one whose sandal straps John was unworthy to loosen. While John baptized with water, the one he heralded would baptize with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Though sinless, Jesus came forward to be baptized in the Jordan River by John. When Jesus came out of the water, the power of God was displayed when the heavens were torn open. At the same time, the Spirit of God was poured forth with tender mercy, "like a dove" (v 10). God confirmed Jesus as the "Beloved Son" (Mark 1:11). This approval was the assurance that Jesus would fulfill his Messianic mission of salvation.
TO LOVE: Do I know that I am a son or daughter of God?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to live my baptismal promises.
Optional Memorial of Saint André
Besette, religious
Brother André Besette was a member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He humbly served the Lord as a doorkeeper at Notre Dame College, Montreal, and as a Sacristan, a laundry worker and a messenger. André — who battled sickness for much of his own life —devoted his life to prayer, comforting the sick through his intercessory prayers to Saint Joseph. Many received God’s healing graces, and the word of his power spread. When an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, André volunteered to help. No one died. The trickle of sick people to his door became a flood and, up to his death, he was receiving 80,000 letters each year from those who were ill who sought his prayers and healing. On Oct. 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Holy Cross’s first saint, André Bessette.
Saturday 6
January 2018
St John Ribera.
1 John 5:5-13. Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20. Mark 1:7-11. Luke
3:23-38.
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem—Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20.
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
This psalm and many others are songs of triumph and joy, written
to be sung in their fullness. ‘It is good to sing in honour of our God.’ Our
God is appealing to us to be joyful. We know we are blessed. We know we are
liberated. God is our creator, and a friend at all times.
Whenever I pray in the company of Christian people of
denominations different from my own, I am aware of the way they praise God so
beautifully. Their prayer is very much like today’s psalm, praising God for
blessing us, for protecting us, for giving us food and shelter. Lord, I am ever
grateful to you for your love and blessing. Help me to sing a hymn of praise to
you as I express my thanks.
ST. ANDRE BESSETTE
Brother André was born Alfred Bessette to a poor
Quebec family in 1845, a biography from St. Joseph’s Oratory says. His father
died in a work accident when he was nine, and his mother died three years
later. His large family was split up and the future Brother André, barely
literate and physically weak from birth, moved from job to job for years.
In 1870 he presented himself as a candidate for the novitiate of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal. He was made porter at Notre-Dame College, where his daily tasks consisted of washing floors and windows, cleaning lamps, carrying firewood and working as a messenger.
Bro. André use to say, “It is with the smallest brushes that the artists paint the most beautiful pictures.”
He welcomed the sick and heartbroken, inviting them to pray to St. Joseph. His reputation grew as people reported that their prayers had been answered. He received visitors regularly for twenty-five years. Out of devotion to St. Joseph, he built a chapel with help from friends and money he earned from giving haircuts to students.
Larger versions of the chapel were constructed as more and more pilgrims came.
Brother André died in 1937. Over a million people attended his wake and burial.
Bishop Pierre Morissette of Saint-Jérôme, on Feb. 19, 2010, said “Brother André lived his life with great humility."
"Guided by a deep faith and devotion to Saint Joseph, he dedicated his life to praying, serving the poor, welcoming strangers, healing the sick and comforting the suffering,” the bishop commented. “To this day, his memory remains an important witness to all Canadians of faith and love.”
St. André Bessette was canoninzed by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010 in Saint Peter's Square.
In 1870 he presented himself as a candidate for the novitiate of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal. He was made porter at Notre-Dame College, where his daily tasks consisted of washing floors and windows, cleaning lamps, carrying firewood and working as a messenger.
Bro. André use to say, “It is with the smallest brushes that the artists paint the most beautiful pictures.”
He welcomed the sick and heartbroken, inviting them to pray to St. Joseph. His reputation grew as people reported that their prayers had been answered. He received visitors regularly for twenty-five years. Out of devotion to St. Joseph, he built a chapel with help from friends and money he earned from giving haircuts to students.
Larger versions of the chapel were constructed as more and more pilgrims came.
Brother André died in 1937. Over a million people attended his wake and burial.
Bishop Pierre Morissette of Saint-Jérôme, on Feb. 19, 2010, said “Brother André lived his life with great humility."
"Guided by a deep faith and devotion to Saint Joseph, he dedicated his life to praying, serving the poor, welcoming strangers, healing the sick and comforting the suffering,” the bishop commented. “To this day, his memory remains an important witness to all Canadians of faith and love.”
St. André Bessette was canoninzed by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010 in Saint Peter's Square.
LECTIO DIVINA: MARK 1,7-11
Lectio Divina:
Saturday, January 6, 2018 - 11
Christmas
Time
1. Opening prayer
Holy Spirit, you who breathed on the waters of creation and guided the steps of Moses in the desert, come today upon us and immerse us in you, so that our every step and thought may be directed towards Christ as we listen to his Word.
Dwell within us, Spirit of the Father, and guide us to the truth of ourselves and to the knowledge of the Son of God who redeems us and makes us one with him, so that the Father may be well pleased with us too. Amen.
Holy Spirit, you who breathed on the waters of creation and guided the steps of Moses in the desert, come today upon us and immerse us in you, so that our every step and thought may be directed towards Christ as we listen to his Word.
Dwell within us, Spirit of the Father, and guide us to the truth of ourselves and to the knowledge of the Son of God who redeems us and makes us one with him, so that the Father may be well pleased with us too. Amen.
2. The Gospel
a) A key to the reading:
Even Christ, in his human journey, had to gradually grow in the knowledge of his identity and of the task, in human history, entrusted to him by the Father.
The baptism in the Jordan marks this growing in awareness and launches Jesus beyond the borders of his land, Galilee, into a universal mission and into a dimension where he shares the human condition, until then unimaginable for him and for his prophets: it is God himself who "descends" to be by the side of human beings, even though aware of their weaknesses, to allow them to "climb" to the Father and give them access to communion with Him. The "pleasure" of the Father that Jesus hears in the Spirit will go with him always on his earthly journey, making him constantly aware of the joyful love of Him who sent him into the world.
Even Christ, in his human journey, had to gradually grow in the knowledge of his identity and of the task, in human history, entrusted to him by the Father.
The baptism in the Jordan marks this growing in awareness and launches Jesus beyond the borders of his land, Galilee, into a universal mission and into a dimension where he shares the human condition, until then unimaginable for him and for his prophets: it is God himself who "descends" to be by the side of human beings, even though aware of their weaknesses, to allow them to "climb" to the Father and give them access to communion with Him. The "pleasure" of the Father that Jesus hears in the Spirit will go with him always on his earthly journey, making him constantly aware of the joyful love of Him who sent him into the world.
b) The test:
7 In the course of his preaching John said, 'After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. 8 I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.'
9 It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. 10 And at once, as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.'
7 In the course of his preaching John said, 'After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. 8 I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.'
9 It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. 10 And at once, as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.'
3. A time of silence,
interior as well as exterior, to open
our hearts and allow space for the Word of God to enter into us.
4. The Word given to us:
* The baptism: purification rites by means of bathing or ablutions
were quite common as a daily practice among the Jews at the time of Jesus (cf
Mk 7:1-4), also among the Essenes of Qumran.
The word baptism indicates a bath, a complete immersion in water, and comes from the verb baptizo, rarely used in the Greek Old Testament because of a negative nuance in its meaning: immerse, submerge, annihilate (by drowning or sinking in water). The only time we do not find this negative note is in 2Kings 5:14: the healing of Naaman, which comes about by means of a series of baths in the Jordan at the command of Elisha. It is from this event that the positive use of the word comes in later times.
The word baptism indicates a bath, a complete immersion in water, and comes from the verb baptizo, rarely used in the Greek Old Testament because of a negative nuance in its meaning: immerse, submerge, annihilate (by drowning or sinking in water). The only time we do not find this negative note is in 2Kings 5:14: the healing of Naaman, which comes about by means of a series of baths in the Jordan at the command of Elisha. It is from this event that the positive use of the word comes in later times.
* The baptism of John: is characteristic of the practice (so much so that
it becomes known by his name (cf Mk 1:4). It takes up existing practices and
adds some new ones. John works in an unnamed place along the Jordan and
baptizes in the flowing water of the river, not in specified places and in
waters prepared for the rite. The conversion and penance demanded by him (Mk
1:4) are more on the moral than on the ritual level (cf Lk 3:8) and the rite,
which signified such an existential change (bath and confession of sins), took
place only once in a lifetime. Moreover, John clearly says that his baptism is
only the preparation for a more radical purifying event, directly connected
with the final judgment of God: "baptism in the spirit" and "in
fire" (cf Mk 1:7-8, Mt 1:2-3).
The people of Judea and Jerusalem greatly welcomed John’s preaching, so much so that large crowds went to him to be baptized (Mk 1:5), as Joseph Flavius also narrates: it is the evident realisation of the prophetic word recalled by Mark in 1:2-3.
The people of Judea and Jerusalem greatly welcomed John’s preaching, so much so that large crowds went to him to be baptized (Mk 1:5), as Joseph Flavius also narrates: it is the evident realisation of the prophetic word recalled by Mark in 1:2-3.
* Jesus and John at the Jordan: John knows quite well that he is not the Messiah and
to be very inferior in dignity to him, and yet he is called to prepare for his
now imminent coming (Mk 1:7-8). All the Gospels speak of this awareness,
emphasised by the use of the verb in the past for his baptism and in the future
for the baptism of the Messiah. This reflects the care that the first Christian
communities took to show that Christian baptism was superior to John’s baptism,
as also Jesus, the Christ, was superior to John the Baptist (cf Mk 3:14; Jn
1:26-34).
* Baptism in the Spirit: it is the eschatological baptism promised by the
prophets (cf Joel 3:1-5), connected with the fire of the judgment or also under
the form of sprinkling (cf Ez 36:25). Jesus receives this baptism soon after
and his baptism will be the source and model of the baptism of the Christians.
Thus the Christian community is founded on the gift of the Holy Spirit.
* Jesus came from Nazareth: Jesus stands out among the great crowd of Jewish
penitents (cf Mk1:5), because he comes from an area where only echoes of the
penitential preaching of the Baptist had reached, Galilee (Mk 1:9). For Mark
this is an important place: Jesus begins his activities there and is well
received; after Easter, it is there that the disciples meet him (16:7) and
understand him fully and it is from there that they will leave for their
mission (16:20). In the light of what Mark says immediately after the voice
from heaven, Jesus is not only "stronger" than John, but has a nature
far superior to that of John. And yet he went down among those who admitted
being sinners, without being afraid of suffering any diminution of his dignity
(cf Phil 2:6-7); he is "the light that shines in the darkness" (cf Jn
1:5).
The second Gospel does not report the reasons for which Jesus goes to receive the baptism of penance, even though the event is one of the most historically reliable among those narrated in the Gospels. What primarily interests the Evangelist is the divine revelation that comes after the baptism of Jesus.
The second Gospel does not report the reasons for which Jesus goes to receive the baptism of penance, even though the event is one of the most historically reliable among those narrated in the Gospels. What primarily interests the Evangelist is the divine revelation that comes after the baptism of Jesus.
* He saw the heavens torn apart: this is not a kind of special revelation for Jesus
alone. The heavens, literally, "rip themselves open", in answer to
Isaiah’s invocation: "If you would tear the heavens open and come
down" (Is 63:19b). Thus, after a time of separation, a completely new
phase begins in the communication between God and humankind: this new
relationship is confirmed and becomes definitive with the redemptive death of
Jesus, when the veil of the Temple was "torn" (cf Mk 15:38) as though
a hand from heaven had struck it. Besides, the Easter of the death and
resurrection is the "baptism wished for" by Jesus (cf Lk 12:50).
* The Spirit descending on him: Jesus "ascends" from the water of the
river and immediately after, the heavens open and the Spirit
"descends" and rests on him. While from now on the period of waiting
for the Spirit is over and the direct way that unites God and humankind is
reopened, Mark shows that Jesus is the only possessor of the Spirit who
consecrates him Messiah, makes him fully aware of being God-Son, dwells in him
and sustains him in the mission willed by the Father.
According to Mark, the Spirit glides over Jesus like a dove. We meet the dove in the story of Noah and the dove is also connected to the waters and the work of God in the world (cf Gen 8:8-12). Elsewhere, the dove is used as a reminder of fidelity and thus of the permanence of the gift, for its faithfulness in returning to the place from which it departed (cf Ct 2:14; Jn 1:33-34). The Spirit rests permanently on Jesus and takes possession of him. In this passage of Mark we could also see a reference to the "breathing of the spirit of God over the waters" of creation (Gen 1:2). With Jesus, a "new creation" really begins (cf Mt 19:38; 2Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15).
According to Mark, the Spirit glides over Jesus like a dove. We meet the dove in the story of Noah and the dove is also connected to the waters and the work of God in the world (cf Gen 8:8-12). Elsewhere, the dove is used as a reminder of fidelity and thus of the permanence of the gift, for its faithfulness in returning to the place from which it departed (cf Ct 2:14; Jn 1:33-34). The Spirit rests permanently on Jesus and takes possession of him. In this passage of Mark we could also see a reference to the "breathing of the spirit of God over the waters" of creation (Gen 1:2). With Jesus, a "new creation" really begins (cf Mt 19:38; 2Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15).
* A voice came from heaven: with the coming of Jesus, communication between God
and humankind is restored. It is not a matter of what the rabbis called
"the daughter of the voice", an incomplete substitution of the
prophetic word, but a matter of direct communication between Father and Son.
* Came…saw descending…was heard: we must admire the condescension of the Trinity that
"stoops down" towards humankind, descends to the
Jordan in Jesus to be baptised like so many sinners, descends upon
Jesus in the Spirit for the sake of his self-awareness and his mission
and descends in the voice of the Father to confirm his
sonship.
* You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour
rests on you: Mark may have deliberately wanted to
recall several passages of the Old Testament in order to emphasise, at least by
allusion, the importance of the many nuances of the divine words.
First of all, we recall Isaiah 42: 1 " Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations". It is JHWH whom introduces his faithful servant. Here, however, the title of "servant" is not used but that of "son", weaving the prophetic text with a psalm of royal and messianic investiture: "He has told me, ‘You are my son, today I have become your father’" (Ps 2:7). The Evangelist (as also the other synoptic) thus allows the nature of the human-divine identity of Jesus to appear – and his mission.
First of all, we recall Isaiah 42: 1 " Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations". It is JHWH whom introduces his faithful servant. Here, however, the title of "servant" is not used but that of "son", weaving the prophetic text with a psalm of royal and messianic investiture: "He has told me, ‘You are my son, today I have become your father’" (Ps 2:7). The Evangelist (as also the other synoptic) thus allows the nature of the human-divine identity of Jesus to appear – and his mission.
* You are my Son, the Beloved: In the light of the Paschal faith, Mark could
certainly not have meant this revelation as that God was adopting the man
Jesus. The voice from heaven is a confirmation of a special relationship
already in existence between Jesus and the Father. The title Son of God is
attributed to Jesus in the very first verse of Mark and again at the end of the
passion when the centurion says, "In truth this man was a son of God"
(Mk 1:1; 15:39). However, this title recurs in various forms and frequently (cf
3:11; 5:7; 9:7; 14:61). For Mark, the title "Son of God" is specially
relevant for an understanding of the person of Jesus and for a full profession
of faith; it is so important, that eventually it was the proper name given to
Jesus by Christians, by which they meant to proclaim the essential elements of
their own faith in Him (cf Rom 1:4): the Messiah king, the eschatological
saviour, the man who had a special relationship with the divine, the one risen
from the dead, the second Person of the Trinity.
The fact that the voice from heaven calls him "chosen", "beloved" (as will be repeated at the Transfiguration in 5:7 and 12:6) emphasises the completely unique relationship of the Father with Jesus, so special that it overshadows the other relationships between human beings and God, even the privileged ones. Jacob too, like Jesus, is the "only and chosen" son (cf Gen 22:2) and he is not spared the agony of a violent death (cf Heb 5:7).
The fact that the voice from heaven calls him "chosen", "beloved" (as will be repeated at the Transfiguration in 5:7 and 12:6) emphasises the completely unique relationship of the Father with Jesus, so special that it overshadows the other relationships between human beings and God, even the privileged ones. Jacob too, like Jesus, is the "only and chosen" son (cf Gen 22:2) and he is not spared the agony of a violent death (cf Heb 5:7).
* My favour rests on you: these words emphasise yet once more the messianic
election of Jesus, fruit of the Father’s benevolence that thus shows his
absolute preference for the Son in whom he finds joy and satisfaction (cf Is
42:1), while Jesus, obedient to the Father, begins his mission of bringing
humanity back to the Father (cf Mk 1:38).
5. A few questions
to give our reflection and actions
direction:
a) Like us, Jesus lives a stage in life,
he goes from the "hidden life" to his "public life". We are
passing from the Christmas season to "ordinary" time. These are the
times for us to realise our mission, which consists in our daily commitment
(often hard and usually dry) to express in life our awareness that God
the Son is with us as our brother and saviour, by using the gifts received
in baptism. Am I aware of the mission entrusted to me by the Father? Am
I able to express this mission in my everyday life or do I limit myself to
special occasions?
b) Our baptism made us "children of God in the Son". God is also well pleased with us and we too are his "chosen" (cf 1Jn 2, 7, 3, 2:21, etc.). Am I aware of the love with which the Father looks at me and relates to me? Am I able to respond to this love with the simplicity and docility of Jesus?
c) Our passage contains a manifestation of the Trinity in action. The Spirit descends upon Jesus, the Father speaks to his Son and thus opens a new way of communicating with us human beings. How is my prayer? To whom do I usually pray? Do I remember that I too am "immersed" in the Trinity and that for me too "the heavens tear themselves open"?
b) Our baptism made us "children of God in the Son". God is also well pleased with us and we too are his "chosen" (cf 1Jn 2, 7, 3, 2:21, etc.). Am I aware of the love with which the Father looks at me and relates to me? Am I able to respond to this love with the simplicity and docility of Jesus?
c) Our passage contains a manifestation of the Trinity in action. The Spirit descends upon Jesus, the Father speaks to his Son and thus opens a new way of communicating with us human beings. How is my prayer? To whom do I usually pray? Do I remember that I too am "immersed" in the Trinity and that for me too "the heavens tear themselves open"?
6. Psalm 20
Let us pray this Psalm, aware of being
chosen by the Father and that the Father is by our side always with great
tenderness of heart.
The Lord answer you in the day of
trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion!
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices!
May he grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfil all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfil all your petitions!
Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some boast of chariots, and some of horses;
but we boast of the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall;
but we shall rise and stand upright.
Give victory to the king, O Lord;
answer us when we call.
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion!
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices!
May he grant you your heart's desire,
and fulfil all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfil all your petitions!
Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some boast of chariots, and some of horses;
but we boast of the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall;
but we shall rise and stand upright.
Give victory to the king, O Lord;
answer us when we call.
7. Closing prayer
The liturgical context is excellent for
an understanding and for praying this Gospel. We, therefore, take up the
preface to convey our prayer to God:
Father, in Christ’s baptism in the Jordan, you worked signs and wonders
to manifest the mystery of the new washing (our baptism).
Your voice was heard from heaven
to awaken faith in the presence among us
of the Word made man.
Your Spirit was seen as a dove resting upon him
and consecrated your Servant
with priestly, prophetic and royal anointing,
so that all would recognise him as the Messiah,
sent to bring to the poor
the good news of salvation.
Grant that we may thank and glorify you
for this priceless gift,
for having sent to us your Son, our brother and teacher.
Let your kind gaze rest upon us
and grant that we may bring you joy in all our actions,
Forever and ever.
Father, in Christ’s baptism in the Jordan, you worked signs and wonders
to manifest the mystery of the new washing (our baptism).
Your voice was heard from heaven
to awaken faith in the presence among us
of the Word made man.
Your Spirit was seen as a dove resting upon him
and consecrated your Servant
with priestly, prophetic and royal anointing,
so that all would recognise him as the Messiah,
sent to bring to the poor
the good news of salvation.
Grant that we may thank and glorify you
for this priceless gift,
for having sent to us your Son, our brother and teacher.
Let your kind gaze rest upon us
and grant that we may bring you joy in all our actions,
Forever and ever.
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