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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
December 11, 2024
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Christmas

During the Christmas season from December 24th until the Sunday after Epiphany, we reflect upon the mystery of love that is made visible in the birth and early childhood of Christ.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Baptism of the Lord

Reading I : Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

I, the Lord, have called you.

  • A chosen servant is singled out in Isaiah’s so-called Servant Song.
  • God’s presence is again associated with light. God’s servant is a light to the nations.
  • The first reading describes the messiah as God’s servant; God’s chosen one, who will bring forth justice to all the earth.

Reading II : Acts 10:34-38

God anointed Christ with the Holy Spirit.

  • The basis for Peter’s speech comes from the Old Testament: “God shows no partiality” (Deut 10:17).
  • Luke applies this statement to God’s accepting not only Jews but also Gentiles who act rightly.
  • Today’s second reading summarizes Christian preaching about Christ to Gentiles.

Gospel : Matthew 3:13-17

We must do what God wants.

  • In the Gospel, Jesus went to John to be baptized in the River Jordan.
  • Jesus’ baptism is a prophetic action, a sign for us that God’s Kingdom is in our midst.
  • Participating in the rituals of his time, Jesus received through the tradition, a confirmation of his calling as God’s Chosen One.