Breaking Open the Word - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Juan Sánchez Cotán [public domain]
Scripture Sharing, Baptism of the Lord, Year A – Sunday, January 12th
Because of our special celebration of Sr. Lucia Marie’s renewal of vows last week, we did not have community Scripture Sharing for the feast of Epiphany. However, all were ready and eager to dive together into the rich readings for this last day of Christmas!
One Sister was very struck by the parallels between the Baptism of Jesus and His Transfiguration. A commentary had brought out how St. Matthew’s Baptism account alludes to important events in the lives of both Moses (the Exodus) and Elijah (his assumption into Heaven), and these are the two prophets who appeared with Christ at the Transfiguration. Both events also feature the voice of the Father, proclaiming Jesus as His beloved Son. One manifestation takes place at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, while the other occurs at the beginning of His fateful journey to Jerusalem, where He will suffer His Passion. As Sister reflected on these two events, she shared with us how she saw both fulfilled in the Paschal Mystery. The Baptism is the “descent” of Christ, His going down into the waters and identifying Himself fully with sinful humanity. The Transfiguration, by contrast, is His “glorification,” the shining forth of His divine power and Sonship. The Passion/Resurrection is the fusing of these two mysteries –Jesus’ suffering and death is a descent into humiliation, and yet this very humiliation wins the glorious “name above every other name.”
Another Sister found an interesting series of parallels between the Baptism and the Visitation. Just as Mary and the unborn Jesus went from Nazareth (in Galilee) to see Elizabeth and the unborn John, even so Jesus goes down from Galilee to see John at the Jordan. As Elizabeth exclaims her unworthiness to receive Mary, so John protests his unworthiness to baptize Jesus. And as the Spirit filled Elizabeth, so the Holy Spirit descends after Jesus’ Baptism. For Sister, the prominence and connection between these two events in the Gospels points to the great importance of the Forerunner in inaugurating the mission of Christ. As Sister said, “the Church can’t get over John the Baptist!” He is one of the few saints to have two feast days, and his role is emphasized in Advent, at the Baptism, and during Lent. And as this “greatest of prophets” would tell you himself, his importance is totally due to his identification with Christ: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” A powerful example for all Christians to follow!
The First Reading particularly inspired one Sister, and she shared her reflections on the line, “I have formed you and set you as a covenant of the people” (Isaiah 49:8) A covenant, defined by Dr. Scott Hahn as “a sacred family bond,” is the relationship God establishes between Himself and humanity. By becoming man, the Eternal Word sealed this union in such a profound way that He can truly be called the “Incarnate Covenant!” It is this incredible mystery that elevates human nature, both body and soul, to an even greater dignity – that of being children of God. This privilege of being “sons in the Son” is conferred at our own Baptism. Interestingly, Sister saw in this a connection to one of the verses of today’s Psalm: “adore the LORD in holy attire.” If the Incarnation and our Baptism have sanctified human nature, then we could truly say that this “holy attire” is the human body, designed to be used in harmony with the soul for joyous worship!
We’re glad to share our discussions and reflections with you! As we begin Ordinary Time this week, we hope you’ll continue to join us in exploring the Sunday Scriptures.