January 12, 2025 – The Baptism of our Lord

Our Great Journey

The theme is “God’s Beloved” based on Luke 3:15-16,21-22 / Lucas 3:15-16,21-22

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, our God, in a humble stable we see Mary and Joseph keeping watch over their newborn son. We see poor shepherds and animals whose manger serves as a bed for this baby, Christ our Savior. We are reminded of the happy truth of Christmas: “The word became flesh and made his dwelling with us.” John 1:14. We pray that our family follow the example of the Holy Family and always put God first in our priorities.

In addition to our prayers from the heart, our prayer for January is the Nicene Creed. Please pray this prayer daily to learn.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

John was a powerful preacher filled with the Spirit of God. Share a time when you’ve met someone that has inspired your faith.
God sent John the Baptist to prepare the people for his coming. If Jesus were coming to your house today, what would you do to get ready to receive him?
If you were one of the people watching this happen, what would you think about Jesus afterwards?
What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? What makes baptism so special?

Things to do:

Call attention this week to our baptismal font. Each time we bless ourselves as we enter the Church, we are reminded of our baptismal commission!
Find your baptismal candles and display them in a prominent place in your home. Use them for your family prayer each day this week.

Closing Prayer

Meditation

God the Father spoke from the heavens at Jesus’ baptism. Listen now to how he wants to speak into your heart.

Invite one person to lead this guided meditation. Play some soft instrumental music in the background. Invite everyone to take a few deep breaths, close their eyes, clear their minds, and listen to what the Father wants to say to them. Read an adapted version of the Scripture passage below, once for each person in the family, inserting his/her name in the blank.

And a voice came from heaven,

“You are my beloved Son (Daughter);

[Insert name here], with you I am well pleased.

Invite your family to observe a moment of silence and to listen to the Father as he speaks these words to you. Then, share your experience with each other.

Name those who need our prayers.

Catholic Insights

The baptism of the Lord is a moment of announcement that Jesus is truly God’s beloved Son. Jesus begins his public ministry with this significant ritual. Baptism is the sacrament that welcomes us into the Christian community as children of God and sends us forth with commission to build the kingdom of God.

This Gospel describes heaven opening the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove. The Father also spoke, “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” After Jesus is baptized he begins the important job of teaching about God’s kingdom, healing the sick and helping those in need.

This is a good time to think about our own calling at Baptism to be a child of God. We are called to join Jesus in the work of proclaiming God’s kingdom.

Did you know…. there are 4 major symbols of Baptism

1. Each person who is baptized is signed with the Sign of the Cross on the forehead, marking us for Christ and puts us under his loving care and protection.

2. The person is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens on the chest, representing strength and the Oil of Chrism on the crown of the head, showing they are chosen and holy in God’s sight. (This is the same oil used at their Confirmation.)

3. Water is poured three times, in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Water is a sign of life, purity and power.

4. The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal candle, which represents Christ and is first lit at the Easter Vigil. We receive our light from Christ and must share this light with everyone we meet.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection