DOCSLIB.ORG

The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ Sunday, January 13, 2019 11 A.M

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ Sunday, January 13, 2019 11 A.M Our vision A spiritually alive world. Our mission Reimagining church with courage, joy and wonder. Baptismal font on the porch of the Chapel of Grace. Photo credit: Ken Lew. The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ Sunday, January 13, 2019 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist Welcome to Grace Cathedral Welcome to this sacred house of prayer for all people. Those who built this place and care for it love tradition and feel passionate about engaging with what is new. If you look closely you will find images of scientists, reformers, Jewish rabbis and Roman Catholic popes, political leaders, saints, and even an astronaut. We invite you to be part of this joyful community even if your visit is short. You might ask yourself two questions: “What do I need to receive? What do I have to give?” We would be delighted to hear about your explorations. May God bless you on your journey! – The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, Dean of Grace Cathedral • If you are new to Grace Cathedral, please introduce yourself and fill out a welcome card so we can be in touch with you. We’re glad you’re here! • Join us for coffee and conversation across the plaza in the Chapter House Library after the 8:30 a.m. service or in the Chapter House Dining Room after the 11 a.m. service. about today’s readings Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Reading texts can be found at the end of the service leaflet. Water: think about how vital water is in your life. It nourishes you, cleanses you, revives you. With the drought and the wildfires, we all collectively know how important water is. And of course, we are all baptized with water when we join the Christian community. Each of today’s readings touch on water or baptism. In the reading from Isaiah, God is our protector. God protects us from floods and rivers and fires because God loves us and is always with us. In Luke’s story of the baptism of Jesus, when John baptizes Jesus, something happens. We’re told that heaven opens and the Spirit descends on Jesus. John tells the people that he can baptize with water, but Jesus can baptize with the Spirit. In Acts, the new believers receive the Spirit from Peter and John, after having been baptized. Water and the Spirit are now interconnected with baptism. Last year we had baptism here at Grace and people gathered in the back of the church. Because of where I was standing, I could see the light sculpture of Jacob’s Ladder, and as people were being baptized with water, I could see angels going up and down the ladder between heaven and earth. All of us renew our baptismal vows at baptism. Perhaps for all of us, this moment can be an opening to heaven. Joe Garity is a recent graduate of the cathedral’s Education for Ministry (EfM) group, one of our deanery delegates and a docent who gives tours of the cathedral. highlights Organ Recital with Bruce Neswick The Forum Returns January 20 Today, January 13 • 4 p.m. • Quire See the back cover of this leaflet for details about our A program by the Canon for Music at Trinity Episcopal double-header kick-off of the Winter season, with Alan Cathedral, Portland, Oregon, a celebrated composer of Hirsch on historical possibilities for impeachment, and an organ and choral music. Suggested donation $10. afternoon panel themed “MLK: We’re In this Together.” Stewardship 2019: Truth and Light Let your generosity shine — every gift advances the cathedral’s mission. Have you made your 2019 pledge? Pledges received by January 18 will be included in the stewardship display in the Nave. Pledging members are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 27, at 9:30 a.m. Holy Baptism The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ • 13 January 2019 • 11 am Welcome to Grace Cathedral on this Sunday when we Baptize children into our life together in Christ. This service involves some movement. When we move to the font at the entrance to the Cathedral, we ask all who are able to exit the pews and come gather around the font at the entrance to the Cathedral. The baptismal parties will move down the center aisle with the vested ministers, others use the side aisles to be part of the gathering around the font. We respectfully ask that we all put our cameras away before the service, and refrain from taking videos or photos for the duration of the service—even while the most beautiful grandchild in the world is being baptized. Clergy will be available immediately after the service for photos at the font with your family. Thank you for being part of Grace Cathedral on this festive day. Ask an usher about child care and Sunday school, hearing assistance devices, or large-print leaflets. Restrooms are located on the lower level corridor. Please silence any audible electronics. Voluntary “Very slowly,” from Sonatina Leo Sowerby The Gathering The people stand as the procession enters. Introit Gerre Hancock Missa Resurrectionis Choir Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Opening Acclamation Presider Blessed be the one holy and living God: People Glory to God forever and ever. There is one Body and one Spirit; There is one hope in God’s call to us. One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all. The Collect of the Day Presider May God be with you. People And also with you. Let us pray. Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. All Amen. The Word of God The First Reading The people sit. Isaiah 43:1-7 Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Psalm 29: 3–5, 7–10 The people remain seated. The choir sings the antiphon, then all repeat. F. E. Gladstone Antiphon The LORD shall give strength to his peo - ple. Choir The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders; * the Lord is upon the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; * the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor. Antiphon The LORD shall give strength to his people. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; * the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon; The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire; the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; * the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. Antiphon The LORD shall give strength to his people. The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe * and strips the forests bare. And in the temple of the Lord * all are crying, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; * the Lord sits enthroned as King for evermore. Antiphon The LORD shall give strength to his people. The Second Reading Acts 8:14-17 Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. 2 The Holy Gospel Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 The choir alone sings the first Alleluia, then the people join in. & b œ œ ˙ œ œœ œ˙ œ œ ˙ œ œœ œ˙ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙ b & Al œ -le-œ lu ––- ia, Al -le-lu œ- ia,˙ Al -le-lu-ia. Christ our passoverissacrificed for us. Choir All of you who were baptized into Christ; & b –– œ œ œ œ œ˙ People Therefore have clothedlet yourus - selveskeep withthe Christ.feast. All repeat the three Alleluias. Before the Gospel The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke. All Glory to you, Lord Christ. After the Gospel The Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Homily The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm C. Young Dean During the hymn that follows, all may join the procession to the font using the side aisles. The Procession to the Font Hymn 120 Solemnis hæc festivitas text: George B. Timms (b. 1910), alt.; music: melody from Graduale, 1685; harm. Arthur Hutchings (1906-1989) Please refrain from taking videos or photos during the baptisms. Clergy will be available immediately after the service for photos at the font with your family. 3 Holy Baptism The Presentation and Examination of the Candidates The presider says The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented. The candidates are presented individually by their parents and godparents as follows Sponsor I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Candidates who are able to answer for themselves are each asked in turn: Presider Do you desire to be baptised? Candidate I do. When all have been presented, the presider asks the whole group of parents and godparents Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life? Parents and godparents I will, with God’s help.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jesus's Baptism and Significance (Matthew 3:1-17)
    Jesus’s Baptism and Significance (Matthew 3:1-17) Sunday School Lesson ministry-to-children.com/jesuss-baptism-and-significance Kristin January 11, Schmidt 2019 Whether as an infant, adult, or in between, baptism is something that is practiced and viewed differently by some, but is always significant. Why should we bother with it, and what does it mean? Well, for one thing, Jesus was baptized at the start of His ministry, and His example sets a standard for us and for the symbol of what baptism represents. This lesson highlights that as well as the importance of being set apart by God. Lesson focus: The baptism of Christ was a statement and preparation; our own baptism represents cleansing as well as that same statement of faith. Passage: Matthew 3:1-17 Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th Grade (adaptable older or younger) Materials Needed: Water, coffee filters, cone cups or papers, string, sponges or “miracle grow” creatures; coffee filters; wet wipes; messy items; water colors; paper plates. Lesson Opening: Start off the lesson by getting a little messy. Have a bowl of something “icky” prepared: this could be shaving cream, whipped cream, pudding, dirt, Jell-O, noodles… whatever works. Hide something representing the lesson within the bowl. For younger audiences, this might be a simple toy or Bible verse…older students can use something more abstract, like a wrapped “Three Musketeers” bar for the Trinity in the story. Have students dig around to find the items, and allow them to sit a minute with dirty hands. After a while, provide wet wipes and ask if those are sufficient to clean up all of the goop (probably not).
    [Show full text]
  • John's Baptism of Jesus Matthew 3:13-17 the Following Text Is Taken from a Sermon Preached by Gil Rugh on ?
    GR653 John's Baptism of Jesus Matthew 3:13-17 The following text is taken from a sermon preached by Gil Rugh on ? 0. Back to Sound Words 1. Baptism in the New Testament 2. John’s Baptism 3. Spirit Baptism 4. Water Baptism 5. The Baptism of Jesus 6. The Purpose of Baptism 7. The Response From Heaven 8. Old Testament Perspective 9. Christian Baptism Matthew 3 is a crucial section of the New Testament, not only for what it reveals about the ministry of John the Baptist and the beginning ministry of Jesus Christ, but also because it discusses a matter which comes up repeatedly in the New Testament – baptism. In this study the focus will first be baptism in general, then the baptism of Jesus Christ in the concluding verses of chapter 3. In Matthew 3:11 and 12, John drew a contrast between his ministry and the ministry of the coming Messiah. "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matt 3:11). In this verse, three baptisms are mentioned: John’s baptism with water, and the Messiah's baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Remember that the baptism with fire is a baptism of judgment which Matthew elaborates on in verse 12. After the Messiah has executed His judgment, there will be no unbelievers alive on the face of the earth.
    [Show full text]
  • Meaning of Jesus' Baptism
    What Is the Meaning of Jesus’ Baptism? By descending into the Jordan, Christ fully embraces His mission to save us from sin by: Bishop Donald J. Hying The Catholic Answer 12/27/2016 We Christians reflect upon and celebrate the baptism of Jesus in significant ways: liturgically, at the conclusion of the Christmas season; devotionally, as the First Luminous Mystery of the Rosary; and theologically, as the scriptural prism for the meaning of Christian baptism. But if the baptism performed by John the Baptist was meant as a sign of repentance of sin and conversion to a new way of life, it’s reasonable to ask: Why did Jesus, as the sinless Son of God, receive baptism? Narrated in each of the four Gospels, the baptism of Jesus marks the inauguration of His public ministry — His emergence from a life of seeming obscurity into a life of growing popularity on account of His preaching, miracles, healings and proclamation of mercy and forgiveness. Jesus steps into the Jordan River and into His mission of redemption through this public religious act. The descent of the dove symbolizes the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus receives as the Christ, Greek for “the Anointed One.” Jesus’ Identity This mark of divine blessing is accompanied by the voice of the Father in heaven who proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). This mysterious utterance reveals Jesus as the Son of God, the One sent from the Father to accomplish the salvation of the human race. In this dramatic scene we already grasp the identity and function of the Most Blessed Trinity — we see the Father as the One who begets and sends the Son to redeem the human race, the Son as the obedient servant who accomplishes the will of the Father, and the Holy Spirit as the Sanctifier who empowers the mission of redemption.
    [Show full text]
  • Roman Catholic View Ii
    These Living Waters: Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism A Report of the Catholic Reformed Dialogue in United States 2003 - 2007 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism 3. Historical overview: sacraments and sacramentality a. Sacramentality i. Roman Catholic view ii. Reformed view b. Sacraments i. Roman Catholic view ii. Reformed view c. Summary 4. Baptismal rites a. Our Common Early History b. Historical Developments: The Reformation c. Historical Developments: Roman Catholic d. [comparative chart of pre and post-Tridentine Baptismal Rites – appendix?] e. Development of Baptismal Rite after the Reformation i. Reformed ii. Roman Catholic f. Twentieth Century Convergence in Scholarship and Ritual i. Reformed ii. Roman Catholic g. Critical Comparison of Roman Catholic and Reformed Rites h. Conclusion: Similar Rites with Different Hermeneutics 5. Theology of Baptism: Roman Catholic, Reformed, and Common Perspectives a. What is baptism? b. Why does the church baptize? c. What does Baptism effect or signify? d. How is Christian Baptism related to the Biblical Economy of Salvation? e. What is the Relationship between Baptism, Faith and Discipleship? f. What implications does Baptism have for the church? g. Who may baptize and with what means and Formula ? h. Why do people need to be baptized? i. Who can receive baptism? j. Why do we baptize children? k. Why should someone be baptized only once? l. What is the relationship between baptism and confirmation and/or profession of faith? m. What is the relationship between baptism and election? n. What is the relationship between baptism and grace? 1 o.
    [Show full text]
  • Rite of Baptism for One Child RECEPTION of the CHILD
    Rite of Baptism for One Child RECEPTION OF THE CHILD If possible, baptism should take place on Sunday, the day on which the Church celebrates the paschal mystery. It should be conferred in a communal celebration in the presence of the faithful, or at least of relatives, friends, and neighbors, who are all to take an active part in the rite. It is the role of the father and mother, accompanied by the godparents, to present the child to the Church for baptism. The people may sing a psalm or hymn suitable for the occasion. Meanwhile the celebrating priest or deacon, vested in alb or surplice, with a stole (with or without a cope) of festive color, and accompanied by the ministers, goes to the entrance of the church or to that part of the church where the parents and godparents are waiting with the child. The celebrant greets all present, and especially the parents and godparents, reminding them briefly of the joy with which the parents welcomed this child as a gift from God, the source of life, who now wishes to bestow his own life on this little one. First the celebrant questions the parents: Celebrant: What name do you give your child? (or: have you given?) Parents: N. CELEBRANT: What do you ask of God's Church for N.? PARENTS: Baptism. The celebrant may choose other words for this dialogue. The first reply may be given by someone other than the parents if local custom gives him the right to name the child. In the second response the parents may use other words, such as, "faith," "the grace of Christ," "entrance into the Church," "eternal life." The celebrant speaks to the parents in these or similar words: You have asked to have your child baptized.
    [Show full text]
  • Oscar Cullmann, Baptism in the New Testament. Studies in Biblical Theology No
    Oscar Cullmann, Baptism in the New Testament. Studies in Biblical Theology No. 1. London: SCM Press, 1950. Pbk. pp.84. Baptism in the New Testament Oscar Cullmann Translated by J. K. S. Reid The English version of DIE TAUFLEHRE DES NEUEN TESTAMENTS (Zwingli-Verlag Zürich) [p.5] CONTENTS Page FOREWORD 7 I THE FOUNDATION OF BAPTISM IN THE DEATH AND 9 RESURRECTION OF CHRIST II BAPTISM AS ACCEPTANCE INTO THE BODY OF 23 CHRIST III BAPTISM AND FAITH 47 IV BAPTISM AND CIRCUMCISION 56 CONCLUSION 70 Appendix: TRACES OF AN ANCIENT BAPTISMAL 71 FORMULA IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Index of Biblical References 81 Index of Names 84 [p.7] FOREWORD I have intended for a long time to write something about the New Testament doctrine of Baptism. The general discussion of the justification of infant Baptism which has been provoked by Karl Barth’s booklet on The Teaching of the Church concerning Baptism forbids me to wait any longer. I hold it for an error to deal with the question of infant Baptism in isolation, as has too often happened in Church discussions. I can therefore only deal with this Oscar Cullmann, Baptism in the New Testament. Studies in Biblical Theology No. 1. London: SCM Press, 1950. Pbk. pp.84. live problem of the day (and not of the day only) according to my original plans, within the framework of a complete review of the matter. I have already developed the fundamental thought of chapter 1 in 1942 in the Revue de Théologie et de Philosophie (Lausanne) under the title ‘La Signification du baptême dans le Nouveau Testament’; while the appendix on the traces of an ancient baptismal formula in the New Testament has already appeared in the Revue d’Histoire et de Philosophie religieuses (Strasbourg), 1937, p.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Testament Meaning of Baptism, the Sacrament of Unity Edgar Krentz
    Christianity's Boundary-Making Bath: The New Testament Meaning of Baptism, the Sacrament of Unity Edgar Krentz Baptism puts us squarely into the significance of Easter, Christ, and the Christian life. When I spoke to you a year ago on the Lord's Supper in the New Testament, it was possible for me to deal at length with every passage in the New Testament that mentions the Lordly Meal. It is quite different with baptism. It is found frequently in New Testament texts-many of them. Indeed, one can say that baptism is more significant to the New Testament church than is the Lord's Supper. We can almost set up a proportion: Baptism is to the early church as the Lord's Supper is to today's church. The Significance of Unguistic Statisticsl The vocabulary for baptism in the New Testament is extremely rich. We turn to a brief description of that vocabulary. Let us begin with simple word statistics. pa7t'ti~m occurs eighty seven times in the New Testament. The verb Pa1t·d~m occurs merely four times in the entire New Testament: Luke 16:24, john 13:26 (twice), and Rev. 19:13. None of these passages refer to baptism, Jewish or Christian. The verb "baptize" occurs seven times in Matthew, restricted to three passages; two times in relation to John the Baptist (3:5, 11), once of jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire (3:11), three times in the story of Jesus' baptism by John (3:13-17), and finally in the so-called "Great Commission" (28:19).
    [Show full text]
  • Baptism in the Holy Spirit-And-Fire: Luke's Implicitly Pneumatological
    religions Article Baptism in the Holy Spirit-and-Fire: Luke’s Implicitly Pneumatological Theory of Atonement Frank D. Macchia Department of Religion, Vanguard University of Southern California, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA; [email protected] Received: 21 December 2017; Accepted: 12 February 2018; Published: 24 February 2018 Abstract: Historically, theologies of atonement have neglected the Holy Spirit. Luke provides us with an important canonical voice for addressing this neglect. Luke locates Christ’s salvific work within his mission to baptize all flesh in the Holy Spirit and fire. He is to occasion a “river” of the Spirit through which all must pass, either unto destruction or salvation. Christ must himself pass through this river to be the Spirit Baptizer. He must pass through the baptism of fire on the cross so as to bring others into the blessings of the Spirit. Keywords: Luke; atonement; pneumatology; Spirit baptism Theologies of atonement have not traditionally paid much attention to the Holy Spirit. It may be said that Anselm neglected a positive role for the Father in his famous Cur Deus Homo; and the same can surely be said of the Spirit.1 Even the attention paid in recent decades to the cross as a Trinitarian act tended to concentrate on the relationship between the Father and the Son.2 Luke is a voice from the canon that can help theologians address this lack. Luke is unique among the evangelists in describing the larger significance of Christ’s death as a passage to Pentecost or the outpouring of the Spirit. I affirm here James Dunn’s conclusion that, for Luke, “the climax and proposed end of Jesus’ ministry is not the cross and the resurrection, but the ascension and Pentecost” (Dunn 1970, p.
    [Show full text]
  • The Baptism of Jesus Christ
    Scholars Crossing The Second Person File Theological Studies 10-2017 The Baptism of Jesus Christ Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "The Baptism of Jesus Christ" (2017). The Second Person File. 11. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person/11 This The Early Ministry of Jesus Christ is brought to you for free and open access by the Theological Studies at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Second Person File by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHRIST • THE OUTLINE The scriptures involved: All four Gospel writers record this event. A. Matthew (3:13-17) B. Mark (1:9-11) C. Luke (3:21, 22) D. John (1:31-34) The summary involved A. The appeal by the Son (Jesus asks a reluctant John to baptize Him) B. The anointing by the Spirit (the Holy Spirit, like a dove, comes upon Him) C. The approval by the Father (“And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.) The significance involved A. This is the clearest illustration of the doctrine of the Trinity in the entire Bible. The Father speaks from heaven. The Son stands in the water. The Holy Spirit descends. B. This marks the first of three occasions on which the Father orally expressed His approval of the Son: Here at the baptism On the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • Sutton Veny HC Baptism Today the Anglican Church Celebrates And
    Sutton Veny HC Baptism Today the Anglican Church celebrates and remembers the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. In the Church of England baptism is considered so important that it is one of only two sacraments the other being Holy Communion. To understand the importance of baptism, it is crucial that we get our heads round this word sacrament. Sacrament as understood in theology is; An outward and visible sign, ordained by Christ, setting forth and pledging an inward and spiritual blessing” Many of us would have been baptised as babies. With our parents and god parents making promises to bring us up as Christians and members of the Church. Unlike membership of the Church, belonging to Jesus does not come by physical decent or racial group or depend on a ritual act but comes through faith and a personal belief and the gift of the Holy Spirit received through faith. When comparing your own baptism with that of Jesus you might immediately notice two important facts the first being that Jesus wasn’t a child but was a mature adult the second was that it was by his own choice that Jesus was baptised. The origins and reasons for the practice of infant baptism are not known, but we do know from Paul’s letters and the Acts of the Apostles that it was a practice that went back to the 1st century. The New Testament tells us that following the preaching of the Gospel whole households came to faith and were baptised. Infants of those new believers were baptised as part of the household of faith.
    [Show full text]
  • The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
    the baptism of our lord jesus christ The Holy Eucharist with Renewal of Baptismal Vows January 8, 2017 11:15 am Washington National Cathedral the baptism of our lord Today we remember the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The Christmas season, which celebrates the revelation of God through Christ, reaches its fulfillment with today’s commemoration. The baptism of Christ is described in all four Gospels, and marks the beginning of his public ministry. It is a day in which we also remember and celebrate our own baptism, as we welcome the newly- baptized and renew and reaffirm our own baptismal promises. 2 The Entrance Rite carillon prelude Songs of thankfulness and praise Salzburg; arr. Edward M. Nassor (b.1957) organ voluntary Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 684 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) introit Holy is the true light William Harris (1883-1973) Holy is the true light, and passing wonderful, lending radiance to them that endured in the heat of the conflict: from Christ they inherit a home of unfading splendour, wherein they rejoice with gladness evermore. Alleluia. (The Salisbury Diurnal) The people stand. processional hymn • 120 The sinless one to Jordan came Solemnis haec festivitas the opening acclamation Blessed be the one, holy and living God. Glory to God for ever and ever. the collect for purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • EPIPHANY 1 - the Baptism of Jesus: Mark's Gospel This Week Two Momentous Events Converge in This Early Point in the Christian Year
    EPIPHANY 1 - The Baptism of Jesus: Mark's Gospel This week two momentous events converge in this early point in the Christian year. The first, The Epiphany, celebrated in the western church, commemorates the first manifestation of the divine to the Gentiles, in the form of the wise men, and the second, the Baptism of Jesus. We could draw a neat contrast between these two events. We might regard the arrival of the Magi, the three wise men, the Persian priests so glamorized in paintings and Christmas cards, as an end story, while the Baptism of Jesus a beginning story, since baptism signifies the start of a life commitment to faith. But both are much deeper and different when we delve into the gospels. Matthew, Luke and John give accounts of the birth of Jesus, and Matthew alone tells of the wise men following the star that guides them to Jesus (probably occurring a year or so later). Mark starts with the baptism of Jesus. And Mark tells the story of Jesus with stark simplicity. His is the shortest gospel and most likely the earliest. Many believe that both Matthew and Luke had Mark's gospel before them when they wrote their versions of the life of Christ. In today's text Mark uses only seven verses to tell us about John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism. When Jesus came up from the waters of his baptism, Mark reports that a voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” This was a dramatic way for God publicly to give his stamp of approval to endorse Jesus' ministry.
    [Show full text]