Tag: Deacon Rudy Villarreal

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Sunday of the Word of God

logo for Sunday of the Word of God with Jesus walking with two disciples

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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Responsorial: Psalm 25:4-9
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012421.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Thank you for joining me today for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where every weekend we break open the Word. I’m so happy you’re here!

This Sunday, we celebrate “Sunday of the Word of God.” In September 2019, Pope Francis asked that the third Sunday of Ordinary Time be set aside for the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God. I’ll include a link to the document in the notes for this podcast. It’s a wonderful initiative to encourage all Catholics to become more familiar with Scripture and become more comfortable sharing the Good News with others. Todays’ readings give us some great ideas to reflect on with our families and friends.

Our first reading is from Jonah. I think Jonah reflects our times today, especially in light of the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Jonah was probably written after the exile. During this time, Israel is more nationalistic and very intolerant and suspicion of their enemies. Jonah is a prophet, and he expects to serve God’s will for God’s people. But what happens? God sends Jonah to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria – to Israel’s enemy. So, God wants Jonah to preach a message of repentance and forgiveness for the enemies of the country. How do you think that message went down?

It didn’t! Jonah was so upset that he tried to escape and hide from God. The passage we read this Sunday shows that in the end, Jonah delivers God’s message to Nineveh. But Jonah did the bare minimum. He only preached the destruction of Nineveh. He says, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed” (Jonah 3:4). Jonah didn’t offer a message of repentance. It was the king of Nineveh who, after hearing Jonah’s message from God, called his people to repent and convert (Jonah 3:4-10). God looked upon Nineveh and was moved by their repentance. So, God spares Nineveh.

Our passage today doesn’t give us Jonah’s reaction, so here’s the rest of the story. Spoiler alert! How do you think Jonah feels about God sparing his enemy? Jonah is ticked off! He is so upset he tells the Lord to take his life. Jonah says, “…Lord, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3). That’s how upset he was with God. This very short book ends with God asking Jonah if God shouldn’t care about Nineveh and its 120,000 inhabitants and all their animals (Jonah 4:11). Of course, we know God does care about all creation.

One of the ideas that the Book of Jonah points is that while we might be narrow-minded and intolerant of people who are different from us or think differently from us, God’s mercy and love knows no limits. God’s mercy was not exclusively for Israel but was even available to Israel’s enemies.

Isn’t that a message for today? Sometimes we can become almost self-righteous in our points of view that we can’t think of our “enemies” as children of God. But the reality is that God cannot be limited by our politics! Understanding that might thaw frozen hearts and help us reach out to people not as our enemies but recognizing them as our neighbors. Oh sure, we might think of them as our annoying neighbors; but nonetheless, they are our neighbors. Everyone deserves to hear the Good News!

And the task of sharing the Good News is significant. In today’s Gospel, like what we heard last week in John, Jesus calls the first disciples. He calls Andrew and his brother, Simon Peter. A little farther down the coast, Jesus calls James and his brother John. What does he say to Andrew and Simon Peter? He says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).

Could God reveal himself to each and every one of us directly? Wouldn’t that be something – maybe like how in Captain Marvel, people can speak directly with the Supreme Intelligence. But that’s fiction. God will never force himself on anyone. So, Jesus asks us as disciples to become fishermen of other people. In other words, to share the Good News. To whom do we share the Good News? Well, as we heard in the first reading where Jonah preached to his pagan-enemies, and even in the second reading where Paul is writing to Gentiles, we are to bring the Good News to everyone regardless of how they voted and regardless of their political point of view.

This Sunday is Sunday of the Word of God, and our goal is to implement the prayer we hear in today’s Psalm: Teach me your ways, O Lord. Maybe that’s the only thing that can help us overcome the violence we saw at the capitol.

The bishops of the United States have a new website with some great resources to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God. The website is catholic.bible. I’ll include all the links in the notes to this podcast. But there’s a handout called “New Habits Inspired by Sunday of the Word of God” and it has four simple ideas to spend time with Scripture: 1) the USCCB offers a Daily Readings Podcast, 2) Family Lectio Divina, 3) a resource from the Archdiocese of Detroit called “52Sundays” with some cool activities and reflections, and 4) try reading the Gospel before dinner. To this list, I would add that there are some excellent podcasts out there that can offer some discussion starters, like homilies by Bishop Robert Barron, or Fr. Larry Richards of the Reason for Our Hope Foundation, and of course, mine right here on deacon rudy’s notes!

So much to choose from, and that leads us to homework! Nourished by the Eucharist, the following two questions will help us implement Sunday of the Word of God. First, what are some ways you and your family and friends can celebrate Sunday of the Word of God this weekend? Second, what are some things you can do this year to learn more about Scripture, like joining a Bible study group or listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz and his videos called “The Bible in a Year.”

Let’s start 2021with some new ways to honor Scripture in our homes. Perhaps then the power of God’s love can transform our nation and our world! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: The official logo for the Sunday of the Word of God was unveiled at the Vatican on January 17, 2020. The colorful logo depicts “The Road to Emmaus” and is based on an icon written by the late Benedictine Sister Marie-Paul Farran. The newly established day is being celebrated on January 26th. It is meant to be devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the word of God. (courtesy Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization).

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. 520, 787-88: Jesus and his disciples
2. 543-46: Proclamation of the kingdom
3. 863-65: Vocation
4. 914-33: Consecrated life
5. 922-24: Consecration of virgins

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012421.cfm
Sunday of the Word of God
Lectionary: 68

Reading 1
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The word of the LORD came to Jonah, saying:
“Set out for the great city of Nineveh,
and announce to it the message that I will tell you.”
So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh,
according to the LORD’S bidding.
Now Nineveh was an enormously large city;
it took three days to go through it.
Jonah began his journey through the city,
and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing,
“Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed, “
when the people of Nineveh believed God;
they proclaimed a fast
and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way,
he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them;
he did not carry it out.

Responsorial
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. (4a) Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice
and teaches the humble his way.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Reading 2
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out.
From now on, let those having wives act as not having them,
those weeping as not weeping,
those rejoicing as not rejoicing,
those buying as not owning,
those using the world as not using it fully.
For the world in its present form is passing away.

Alleluia
Mark 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.

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A New Year Resolution

Photo of a pen and paper resolutions list.

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Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Mass Readings

Reading 1: 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
Responsorial: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel: John 1:35-42

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011721.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Thank you for joining me today for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where we break open the Word.

This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time. While “ordinary” can mean no special or distinctive features (New Oxford American Dictionary), what we celebrate every Sunday is no trivial matter! The seasons of the liturgical year, like Advent and Lent, allow us to highlight some specific aspect of the mystery of Christ. During Ordinary Time, however, we celebrate the mystery of Christ in its entirety. That, I assure you, is no small thing!

Today’s readings are perfect as we evaluate our New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’ve already set your resolutions or not, our readings give us some helpful ideas as we develop or evaluate our resolutions.

We begin with the question from the Gospel in mind, “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38).

With that question in mind, let’s turn our attention to that interesting second reading from First Corinthians. This section of First Corinthians is about sexual morality.

To illustrate the attitudes Paul encountered, I’d like to share a story shared by one of my graduate school professors, the biblical scholar Fr. George T. Montague, SM, in his commentary on First Corinthians. He tells the story of a member of the Italian parliament from a Christian party. In 2007, Italian police busted the official in a hotel room with two prostitutes and cocaine. A reporter asked him how his circumstances fit with his Christian values. Listen to his response. He said, “Of course, I recognize Christian values. But what has that got to do with going with a prostitute? It is a personal matter.” <1>

I know, I know, it’s a stunningly laughable story! But sadly, I think many Christians can relate to the idea that “It is a personal matter.” Too many Christians separate their Sunday worship from the rest of their lives. That was definitely the attitude in Corinth, and St. Paul took it on!

We can spend a lot of time focused solely on the second reading, but what’s the connection between sexual morality and the rest of our readings today?

I suggest to you that people chase extraordinary forms of thrills, pleasure, or excitement because something is missing from their lives. They (and we) might be trying to satisfy the ache with something – anything.

As we begin this new year, we can look to Scripture to help us consider and evaluate our new year’s resolutions. The Gospel asks, “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38).

In today’s Gospel, you can almost picture Andrew excitedly chasing after Jesus. Jesus responds, “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39). This is an invitation. Of course, we are saved only by God’s grace. There is nothing we can do to merit salvation. But God will not force himself on anyone. So, Jesus extends an invitation. “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39).

This is like our reading today from First Samuel. The Lord is calling, but Samuel didn’t recognize the call. He thought his master, Eli, was calling him. When Eli finally realized what was happening, he suggests to Samuel to respond to the Lord, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).

So many of us live in an over-stimulated environment with watches and phones and other smart devices. Are we too distracted from hearing God’s call? The Lord didn’t push himself on Samuel. He didn’t say, “Hey, silly! I’m talking to you!” The Lord waited for Samuel to respond. And the Lord is waiting for you and me to respond.

Our great joy as disciples during Ordinary Time is to celebrate the Good News, like Andrew, that “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41), and that Jesus will set us free. Jesus offers our lives meaning, and purpose. And as disciples, like Andrew, we turn to all those we encounter – especially those people among our families and friends who we see chasing the next big thrill. We turn to them and to those who’ve fallen away and to those who are nonbelievers, and we say to them, “I have Good News!”

Homework! Reinvigorated by our Eucharistic celebration, I ask you to reflect on the following two questions. First, reviewing your New Year’s resolutions, what are some ways you can respond to Jesus’ invitation? Perhaps join or help lead a bible study or prayer group? Second, what are some ways you could share or help the Church share the Good News with other people?

Doing our homework will help us as disciples refine our new year’s resolutions and reach out to everyone who needs to hear a message of hope and peace! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Photos public domain.com. 30 December 2010. Resolution List. JPG file.

References:
<1> George T. Montague, SM, First Corinthians (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011), sec “Reflection and Application (6:12-20),” chap “The Court and the Courtesan (1 Cor 6). Kindle

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T. SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Desire for God: 27-30
2. Goodness of every creature: 339
3. The title Christ: 436-39
4. Fornication: 1852, 2353

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011721.cfm
Lectionary: 65

Reading I
1 Samuel; 3:3b-10, 19
Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD
where the ark of God was.
The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.”
Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”
“I did not call you, “Eli said. “Go back to sleep.”
So he went back to sleep.
Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli.
“Here I am, “he said. “You called me.”
But Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.”

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,
because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.
Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.”
Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.
So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply,
Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”
When Samuel went to sleep in his place,
the LORD came and revealed his presence,
calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him,
not permitting any word of his to be without effect.

Responsorial
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!”
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Reading II
1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Brothers and sisters:
The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord,
and the Lord is for the body;
God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him.
Avoid immorality.
Every other sin a person commits is outside the body,
but the immoral person sins against his own body.
Do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
For you have been purchased at a price.
Therefore glorify God in your body.

Alleluia
John 1:41, 17b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We have found the Messiah:
Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 1:35-42
John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God.”
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
“What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher —,
“where are you staying?”
He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
“We have found the Messiah” — which is translated Christ —.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
“You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas” — which is translated Peter.

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The Baptism of the Lord

complex drawing of Jesus and Moses as one person

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 OR Isaiah 55:1-11
Responsorial: Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 OR Isaiah 12:2-6
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 OR 1 John 5:1-9
Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011021.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Hello and thank you for joining me for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where we break open the Word.

Have you ever heard the golden rules of leadership? Lead by example and never ask someone to do something you’re not willing to do.

Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist told the people that one is coming and that he is not worthy even to untie his sandals. John, who is preaching in the desert, offers immersion in the water to cleanse people of their sins. Jesus does not have sin. And yet, Jesus comes to the river, and he submits himself to John.

Why?

Well, first, I think Jesus is telling Israel that John is on to something here. People lived the Law in a perfunctory way, checking off boxes on their annual to-do lists. But they weren’t living the Law. They weren’t living lives of faith rooted in God. So, John is calling people to repent and turn back to God.

In a way, we can look at sin and sinful patterns in our lives as a form of slavery or perhaps slavery to addictions. It’s easy to think of someone strung out or drunk, but there are many other examples of slavery to sinful patterns. Slavery to sin can lead people to do all sorts of strange things.

Take, for example, the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, directed by David Frankel. In the movie, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, learns of its owner’s plot to force her out. She makes a few calculated moves and sacrifices her closest and perhaps most productive employee, Nigel, to keep her job.

The Devil Wears Prada is a good quarantine-binging movie, so I won’t reveal any more details about it, but this is an example of what people might be willing to do to their co-workers to get ahead and stay on top. This movie also offers many excellent examples of what it means to be a slave to sinful patterns.

Of course, there are many other forms of slavery to sin in today’s culture than just to money and status. We could spend the better part of a day sharing examples of sinful patterns we’ve all encountered. But here’s the key takeaway. What is a slave? A slave keeps their head down. If we are slaves to sin, how can we recognize God in our lives and God’s grace all around us?

In the Gospel, Jesus goes into the river like Moses who parted the Red Sea and led the people safely through to the other side. Jesus, like Moses, leads us away from the slavery of sin to freedom. <1> Breaking sinful patterns in our lives can be a scary thing. But we are not alone. Jesus leads us by example. He goes first into the water, letting us know that it’s ok. We can do it too.

Once Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens tear open, the Spirit descends upon Jesus, and we read that God announces, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” (Mark 1:11). This amazing action anoints Jesus for his ministry. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. This is where it all starts. And after the resurrection and ascension, many people began to understand. But today, I think we are like those people John the Baptist preached to.

What do I mean? Well, why do people indulge in sinful and addictive patterns?

I suggest that people pursue what’s sinful and addictive because something is missing in their lives. People “nurse” themselves with something they think will fill the want in their lives. Perhaps the silver lining of the strange year 2020 in which so many self-isolated and social-distanced to combat COVID-19 is that we have the opportunity to evaluate our lives, our careers, and our actions.

Are we living the life we want to live? Are we living God’s call for our lives?

My brothers and sisters, I have good news! Just as God smiled on Jesus at baptism, so too does God smile at each of us when we’re baptized. Think about that just for a second. If you are baptized, God says to you, “You are my beloved.” Never doubt that you are worthy. Never doubt that you have a purpose. Never doubt that you are loved!

More good news: Jesus Christ came to this world to offer us a way out of sinful and destructive habits. But we need to take the first step. This start of the new year gives us an opportunity as individuals and as nations for discernment. Discernment helps us evaluate the good, the bad, and the ugly of our lives. Discernment gives us the opportunity to work on developing good habits that we call virtues in our lives. Discernment gives us the opportunity to identify and to reconcile our sins. Discernment gives us the opportunity to, with the help of God, reject destructive patterns in our lives and our nations.

How? We start with baptism. We bring our sins to reconciliation. We get ourselves to Mass, where the Word made flesh, and the Real Presence in the Eucharist nourishes us. And we go out into the world, letting everyone know there is a better way. We invite others to come back to church. And those who are not baptized, we invite them to get to know Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light.

Homework! I ask you to reflect on the following two questions.
First, how am I taking advantage of my New Year’s resolutions to evaluate the way I’m living my life?
Second, what are some ways I can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with other people?

I think doing our homework will help us spread hope in these confusing times. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org.

A quick word to our podcast listeners. Please take a moment to rate and review deacon rudy’s notes on whichever platform you are using to listen to me right now. This helps other listeners find us, and I know you will help me do that! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Artist unknown. Jesus is the new Moses. JPG file.

References:
<1> George T. Montague, SM. Mark: A Popular Commentary on the Earliest Gospel (Steubenville, Ohio: Franciscan University Press, 1992), 15.

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Anderson, Kelly and Daniel Keating. James, First, Second, and Third John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017. Kindle.
2. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
3. Kurz, William S. SJ. Acts of the Apostles. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013. Kindle.
4. Montague, George T. SM. Mark: A Popular Commentary on the Earliest Gospel. Steubenville, Ohio: Franciscan University Press, 1992.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God: 150-51
2. Jesus as the Christ: 436
3. Jesus anointed by the Spirit: 438, 486
4. John the Baptist: 523, 717-20
5. Baptism of Jesus: 535-37, 1223-25
6. Judge of the living and dead: 678-79
7. Water as type of the gift of the Spirit: 694
8. Baptism in water and the Spirit: 720
9. Salvation outside the Church: 776, 846-48
10. Blood and water as types of baptism and Eucharist: 1225
11. Descent of Spirit on Jesus: 1286

The Baptism of the Lord https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011021.cfm
Lectionary: 21

Reading 1
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

OR:

Isaiah 55:1-11

Thus says the LORD:
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
Why spend your money for what is not bread,
your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me, and you shall eat well,
you shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully,
listen, that you may have life.
I will renew with you the everlasting covenant,
the benefits assured to David.
As I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of nations,
so shall you summon a nation you knew not,

and nations that knew you not shall run to you,
because of the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you.

Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call him while he is near.
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,
and the wicked man his thoughts;
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.

For just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.

Responsorial
Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
adore the LORD in holy attire.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The God of glory thunders,
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

OR:

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Reading 2
Acts 10:34-38
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”

OR:

1 John 5:1-9

Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
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.

Alleluia
Cf. John 1:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
John saw Jesus approaching him, and said:
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 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.”