January 11, 2009

Lectionary Readings for January 11, 2009:

• Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Isaiah 55:1-11
• Acts 10:34-38 or 1 John 5:1-9
• Mark 1:7-11

Thoughts for Your Consideration:

This week’s readings center us on the wondrous event that took place when Jesus was baptized by John. In the Gospel reading by Mark we notice that the highlight is not so much the physical baptism by John as much as the divine affirmation by the Spirit. This is the moment when Jesus is commissioned to begin his salvific ministry.

 

In Isaiah we get a glimpse of the job description for this mission: “He will bring forth justice to the nations… (he will be) a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon.” The mission of Jesus is about serving those in need, caring for those who are poor, and promoting political and economic justice. Isaiah also reminds us of Jesus’ spirit of nonviolence which he will use to bring forth justice, “a bruised reed he will not break.”

 

An important point in this reflection is the role of the Spirit. Jesus’ mission of justice does not come directly from his baptism by John. The function of the baptism seems to place Jesus’ emerging ministry within the prophetic tradition. The true source for this life mission is the Spirit of God itself. God affirms the sacred dignity of Jesus in his life and mission. Whereas Jesus is the incarnation of God with Humanity, this event seems to signify the incarnation of Jesus’ ministry both within an historical human tradition and a divine commission.

 

But a further point is also made in these readings. This sacred dignity does not end with Jesus. Isaiah again tells us, “I have given you as a covenant to the people.” Furthermore Peter explains how this mission of Jesus now is expanded to “us who were chosen by God as witnesses.” If this is not enough consider also how the salvific mission of Jesus is itself a community building mission of, “doing good and healing all who were oppressed.” We are recipients of this sacred dignity that was bestowed on Jesus and passed onto us as his witnesses and followers.

 

There are many principles to Catholic social teaching. But the one principle that is fundamental to all is the dignity of all creation. Catholic social teaching proclaims that all life is sacred and we all share the dignity of being sons and daughters of God. By sharing in this sacred dignity we also share in this sacred mission of building the human community by promoting Justice and Peace which both Isaiah and Peter remind us is our sacred obligation. As we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism we should not be passively accepting an historical moment, rather we should be celebrating our own divine commission.

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group:
•    Isaiah talks of the call to bring justice onto the earth.
•    We have a vocation to work for justice.
•    How are you called to do that today?
•    How are we called to do that today?

•    When were you baptized?
•    What does being a baptized Christian mean to you?
•    What are the values that it commits you to live by?

Peace,

John