Baptism of the Lord January 13, 2008

Reading 1, Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7  This is the first of Isaiah’s four “Servant-of-the-Lord” oracles (others being 49:1-7, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12). This figure prophesied by Isaiah refer to Israel’s hope for a Messiah, God’s anointed leader who will establish the new kingdom of God. Christians, of course, see these prophesies referring to Jesus. “Coastlands” refers to all the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. There were Jewish settlements in almost all of these countries. Paul would see his calling to bring the teaching about Jesus to all those lands. He did reach as far west as Rome and wrote about his hope to travel as far as Spain.

Reading II, Acts 10:34-38  Caesarea was built by King Herod the Great on the Mediterranean coast. It had the largest artificial harbor in the world. It was the headquarters of the Roman governor and troop garrison. Cornelius was a centurion in the Italian Cohort stationed at Caesarea. The Bible (Acts 10:1) tells us he and his family were “God-fearing”. This term referred to people who associated with the Jewish faith, joining in the prayers and celebrations, but not yet becoming officially Jewish through circumcision. Read all of Acts 10 to find out about Peter’s vision and visit to the home of Cornelius and chapter 11:1-18 to see the negative reaction of some Jerusalem Christians to Peter having entered the house of a non-Jew. Cornelius and his household were the first non-Jews to become Christians.

Matthew 3:13-17  We have a Trinitarian presence here. Note that the Father was talking to someone other than Jesus. It was a word of testimony to the Son for all people to hear. Was the descending of the Spirit merely symbolic or empowering? With reference the text of Philippians 2:6-7, when the Son of God became man, he set aside all the divine gifts and attributes while retaining the divine identity. As a child he had to learn to walk and to speak. He had to study and learn to read and write as did other children. He “grew in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). He had to pray, even during the years of his public ministry, to discern the Father’s will. There has been a lot of theological discussion among scripture scholars as to when Jesus became aware of his divine identity…perhaps as an adopted child may only discover this fact and his true identity after many years. Regardless of when Jesus knew of his divine identity, Jesus the Son received from the Father whatever he needed to complete his ministry…as he needed it…no more, no less. Since the gifts of the Holy Spirit comprise the elements of discernment, it is logical that when the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, it was a very empowering moment, gifting him for his upcoming ministry.

Comments

fr.Denny Dempsey im very interested in reflections because i really appreciate what others think of God as a savior actually im 1st yaer in manila.THANK YOU.