This Week's Theme: Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism of the Lord

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education
Theme: Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism of the Lord: The Spirit of God comes upon Jesus as John baptizes him.
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Summary: In this very brief story, we are given a glimpse of the relationship between Jesus and Saint John the Baptist. Both individuals are true models of humility. Jesus humbles himself when he comes forward to be baptized as an example for others, while Saint John the Baptist states that his baptizing of others is merely a preamble to the great baptism that will come through Jesus. Neither men are driven by ego, but rather are led by the virtue of humility.
 
Scripture: And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  Matthew 3:17
 
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River where a man named John was preaching and telling people to confess their sins and be baptized. Jesus came to John and asked to be baptized.

John was amazed that Jesus would ask to be baptized and tried to talk him out of it. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are you coming to me?"

Jesus answered, "It must be done, for we must do all that God requires." So John agreed and baptized Jesus.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, Scripture tells us that the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended from heaven like a dove and settled on him. Then came a voice from heaven saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist because it was important for him to do all that God had sent him to earth to do. Was God pleased with him? Yes he was and he said so. If Jesus thought it was important for him to follow the will of his Father, don't you think it is important for us to follow the example Jesus set for you and me to follow? Let's make that our goal as we begin the new year.
Heavenly Father, as we begin a new year, help us to follow the example Jesus set for us and live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.   www.sermons4kids.com
 
Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Isaiah was a friend of God who lived about 800 years before Jesus. God chose him to help the people of Israel turn back to God.

A servant describes someone who does God’s will. In the Book of Isaiah, the Lord’s servant is a chosen one who suffers in order to bring forth justice. Christians believed this person is Jesus.
God’s servant will not rest until he establishes justice.
Second Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
The Acts of the Apostles is a book in the Bible that describes how the Church grew after Jesus rose from the dead. Written by Luke, who also wrote a gospel, it mostly tells the story of Peter and Paul.
When Peter showed that he had a lot of faith in Jesus, Jesus chose him to be the leader of the apostles. In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter speaks as the head of the new community.
To show partiality is to be nice to one person and not another. God is impartial and treats everyone the same way----with love.
The baptism that John preached called people to turn back to God. John the Baptist baptized people in the River Jordan to show that their sins were washed away. Today, the sacrament of Baptism unites us with Jesus and makes us part of the Church.
Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
My Promise to Jesus: When I wake up in the morning, I will think of you, Jesus. I will make the Sign of the Cross, saying “In the name of the Father who is in heaven, and of the Son who is in my heart, and of the Holy Spirit who surround me with his love. Amen ”     https://us.magnificat.net/my-sunday-gospel-coloring-book-2020.html
Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life.  Who sees you as a Christian role model? How could you be an even stronger role model?   www.smp.org
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
The Tower: A Story of Humility
Written by Richard Paul Evans
ISBN: 13:978-0689834644
One way to express humility is by simply saying thank you. Thanking those around us is important, but it is also important to remember to thank God with a sincere heart. Today and every day, remember to thank God for all the blessings that you receive.

Family Discussion: At Jesus’ baptism, God affirms his Son’s mission for salvation. God announces his pleasure with Jesus and, in Matthew’s Gospel, announces to all that, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). With this affirmation, Jesus is able to resist the temptations described next in Matthew’s Gospel and to begin his public ministry. As family members, we can support one another in our Christian living by affirming the importance of each person in our eyes and in God’s. Confident that through our Baptism we too were made children of God, we can resist temptation and share in Christ’s mission.
Gather as a family to read today’s Gospel, Matthew 3:13-17. Recall that God’s message about Jesus was meant for us, “This is my beloved Son.” It was also an affirmation for Jesus about his role in God’s plan.
Place each family member’s name on a slip of paper and put the names in a bowl. Invite each person in the family to choose another family member’s name and to prepare a message for that person, affirming their importance in God’s eyes and in your family life. Pray together that your family will continue to support one another in your baptismal promises to be disciples of Jesus and then invite each person to read aloud the message they prepared. Conclude by praying together the Lord’s Prayer.  www.loyolapress.com