Branching-Out

The Baptism of the Lord

Posted by Bill Ayres on Jan 8, 2022 6:00:00 AM

A reading from the prophecy of Isaiah

(Chapter 40:1-5, 9-11)

There are many beautiful passages in the Hebrew Scriptures in which God speaks soulfully to the people of Israel. This is one of the most powerful: “Comfort, give comfort to my people.”   “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.” “Fear not to cry out.” “Here comes with power the Lord God.”

Did they listen? Did they hear the words in their hearts? Perhaps many did, but others did not. God speaks to us tenderly and with power so many times in our lives in so many ways, through many different people and situations. How often do we really listen, in times of joy and times of sadness, in stress and in peace, and so many times in between?

Responsorial Psalm

(Psalm 104)

“O bless the Lord, my soul.” Let us bless the Lord because of all the blessings he gives to us.

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Topics: baptism, Reflections on the coming Sunday's Gospel, John the Baptist, RENEW International, Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Baptism of the Lord

Prayer: Mission of Service

Posted by RENEW International on Jan 10, 2021 6:00:00 AM

God of love, you revealed Jesus
as your beloved Son
in the Jordan River.
We praise you for the gift of Christ,
our salvation and our peace.
You anointed Jesus
for the service of the world.
Strengthen the Church’s witness
to this mission in our world today.
You brought us to new life
and made us members of Christ’s Body in baptism.
May the gift of your Holy Spirit keep us
ready to meet the demands of our baptism. Amen.

 Adapted from PrayerTime: Faith-Sharing Reflections on the Sunday Gospels, Cycle B.

© RENEW International

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Topics: baptism, Baptism of Our Lord, mission, catholic RENEW program, Jesus Christ, prayer, RENEW International, service

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