This week, in Lectionary Year B, we study Mar's account of the Baptism of our Lord on the first Sunday of the Epiphany. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan is considered in the context of the creation account in the first chapter of Genesis. Psalm 29 magnificently evokes the power of the voice of the Lord, who is over the mighty waters, and all creation. The power of water and the spirit is brought to bear in our lives in these passages. What incidents can you recall in the Bible in which water is a major force, or plays a major role? How is water used in these accounts?
Why do you think the Lectionary places the baptism of Jesus reading on the first Sunday of Epiphany? What is an epiphany? Can you think of examples? Have you ever had an epiphany?
In "Holy Collision," The Rev. Sharron Blezard says this is no "play it safe" Sunday. What does she mean by that?
In "In the Hole He Goes," The Rev. Timothy Boggess asks, "Now what?" after the great season of expectation and joy of Advent, the birth of Christ, the enduring faith of Simeon and Anna living to see and recognize the Messiah in the mystery of a child, and the homage paid by the Magi. What is the answer he finds in Mark's gospel account of the baptism of Jesus?
Finally, John R. Donahue, SJ, sets it all in context - liturgically, theologically, eschatologically, prophetically, and most importantly, grounds us in mission in his "Heavenly Voice, Earthly Mission."
What can we take with us from this lesson as we begin this new year?
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