Breaking Open the Word
By James Cavanagh
Jan. 9: Baptism of the Lord
Scripture readings:
Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
Acts 10:34-38
Matthew 3:13-17
Synoopsis:
This week’s readings revolve around the theme of baptism, specifically the baptism of the Lord. Baptism marks the beginning of the Christian life just as Christ’s baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry. Christ was first revealed to the Magi and the shepherds, privately as it were. His baptism is the first public manifestation to a large number people. The first reading is called the “first servant song of Isaiah” and is one of the many messianic prophesies found in the Old Testament. Later, Matthew quotes this passage in connection with Christ healing on the Sabbath (12:18-21). The first verse anticipates the Gospel reading where Jesus’ divine origin was declared by “a voice from heaven” as he came up from the water: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” The latter part of the reading describes his mission to be “a light for the nations.” The second reading is about the first Gentile convert to Christianity. Cornelius was a Roman officer who lived in Caesarea, an important city on the Mediterranean coast about 60 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Peter was led to Cornelius through a vision. Upon arriving, he explains the essential Gospel message, or kerygma, to those gathered. Peter’s sermon begins with the baptism of Jesus and ends with the resurrection and the Lord’s mandate to preach the Gospel. Matthew, Mark and Luke each give similar accounts of Jesus’ baptism, but there are some differences. Only Matthew, for example, includes the dialogue between Jesus and John. Jesus is sinless and therefore has no need of baptism. He submitted to it in order “to fulfill all righteousness” or “in accordance with God’s plan.” Jesus’ reply underscores his calling as the servant of God foretold by Isaiah.
Key verse:
“It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt 3:15).
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God's suffering servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners. Already he is coming to ‘fulfill all righteousness,’ that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father's will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins” (No. 536).
Pope Benedict XVI:
“The whole of righteousness must be fulfilled. In Jesus’ world, righteousness is man’s answer to the Torah, acceptance of the whole of God’s will, the bearing of the ‘yoke of God’s kingdom,’ as one formulation had it. This reply of Jesus is his way of acknowledging it as an expression of an unrestricted yes to God’s will, as an obedient acceptance his yoke” (“Jesus of Nazareth”).
Life application:
Baptism marks the beginning of the Christian life and is the gateway to all the other sacraments. It doesn’t guarantee that one will be saved because one can reject the free gift of God’s grace any time. Sadly, many do. Scripture tells us that baptism is necessary for salvation, just as being born is necessary for living a fruitful and fulfilling life. Birth is just the beginning. We must eat and drink, learn and love in order to reach maturity. Likewise, we need to feed our faith with prayer, good spiritual reading and the sacraments to fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. For information on subscribing to "Breaking Open the Word, click here. For archives click here.
