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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.”