The baptism of the Lord

Scripture for Mass

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm: 29(28):1-2. 3ac-4. 3b. 9b-10. Response: 11b ‘

Acts 10:34-38

Matthew 3:13-17

PRIEST: United in the commandment of love, we turn to the Lord with all our needs.

READER: We pray for the Church throughout the world that Christian communities, gathered at the Lord’s Table, may be seen as a people called by God out of every nation, ethnic origin and tradition, to follow Christ in all things. Lord hear us.  Lord graciously hear us.

We pray for ourselves, that we may truly become disciples of Christ as we worship together in this Mass. Lord hear us.  Lord graciously hear us.

Let us pray for those who have evil and violence in their hearts. May they abandon their hatred and come back to the Lord who is rich in forgiveness and compassion. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.

In God’s infinite love we have each been called to repent and return to God in whole hearted faith. We pray that, as we celebrate the Lord’s Baptism, we remember our own baptismal promises to help each other to grow in our understanding of God’s call. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.

Let us pray for the world’s leaders and diplomats that they may work together for a world of non-violence, justice and peace and hope. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.

Let us remember the hungry and homeless, the unemployed. We pray that the world’s wealth and abundance may be justly shared with all who are in need. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.

Let us pray for all who are sick and for all who are in hospital that they may be aware that the Lord is with them in their troubles. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.

We pray for those who care for the sick and injured, may they have the skill and compassion they need and be given the resources and means to serve with love and joy. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.

In the silence of our hearts, let us pray for our own families and friends and our own intentions. Let us ask Mary the Mother of the Lord to pray with us. Hail Mary …

PRIEST: Jesus did not break the crushed reed or snuff out the faltering wick. We are all weak and crushed and faltering flames, we are all in need of healing and hope. So on this feast of the Baptism we are reminded that we have been reborn as children of God. May we find the fullness of life in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Leaving home and heading into the world for the first time generally gives rise to feelings of adventure but also trepidation. For that reason, many young adults go through such a major transition in stages – residing in campus accommodation during their first year in college and then moving into an apartment with friends for their second year.

When Jesus headed out into the world, he too made that major transition in stages, one of which was a period spent with John the Baptist and his community in the desert.

Through prayerful reflection on that experience – particularly on the occasion of his baptism – Jesus received a deeper awareness of God the Father’s unconditional love for him. That gave him the confidence to move away from John and strike out on his own path. He also came to trust that the Holy Spirit would guide and help him as he prepared to leave behind the desert in order to begin public ministry.

And, like many young adults, when the time came for him to step more deeply into the messiness of the world, he chose a few companions – from John’s community – to accompany and support him.

Since we Christians are on a pilgrimage through this world, we hold each stage of that journey neither too lightly nor too tightly in our hearts. While confident that God the Father is lovingly present with us at any particular stage, we remain open to the Holy Spirit leading us forward. Moreover, with the support of fellow pilgrims on a synodal path, we find the courage to continually move out as messengers of the gospel into the world.