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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
October 13, 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 have called you for the victory of justice.

  • Today’s reading is the first of the four “suffering servant songs” from Isaiah.
  • These songs depict a chosen servant who must suffer much because of faithfulness to God.
  • The suffering servant songs have been linked to Jesus Christ.

Reading II : Acts 10:34-38

He went about doing good works.

  • In Acts, Peter makes the point that the revelation of God’s love began at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
  • In Jesus, God’s reign has been established on earth.
  • God wants the entire world to hear the good news of salvation.

Gospel : Mark 1:7-11

On you my favor rests.

  • In all the Gospels Jesus is publicly proclaimed God’s Son at his Baptism.
  • The details of Jesus’ Baptism in today’s Gospel echo the images from the four servant songs.
  • At the moment of his Baptism, Jesus begins his lifework of proclaiming the kingdom of God.