The subjectivity and secrecy of the first epiphany
Prayer
Contemporary Lectionary Prayers
Cycle B
Gospel Note:
Unlike the description of Jesus' baptism delivered by Matthew
and Luke, Mark's earlier version describes the opening of the
heavens, the descent of the Spirit, and the voice of God as a
private, inner experience of Jesus alone, rather than a public
event observable by the baptizer or onlookers.
Liturgical Color:
White
Suggested Hymns:
From God The Father, Virgin Born
The Only Son From Heaven
I Bind Unto Myself Today
Bright And Glorious Is The Sky
O Chief Of Cities, Bethlehem
As With Gladness Men Of Old
The Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1)
It is easy to identify with John the Baptist,
Lord. We can understand why he was so confused.
He did not feel worthy to baptize Jesus!
He did not believe that this was part of the plan.
We know what confusion feels like too.
We are confused by choices and decisions which we
must make in life.
We wrestle with moral issues.
We face parenting dilemmas.
We struggle with medical decisions.
Sometimes, we are even confused about our
own identities.
Because of his faith, John the Baptist was
relieved of his confusion. He was given new
understanding of the plan for his life.
He listened. He changed. He grew.
Guide us to listen and to change when necessary.
Keep us on the growing edge of our faith so that
we are able to respond to your plan as it unfolds
in our lives.
Amen.
Unlike the description of Jesus' baptism delivered by Matthew
and Luke, Mark's earlier version describes the opening of the
heavens, the descent of the Spirit, and the voice of God as a
private, inner experience of Jesus alone, rather than a public
event observable by the baptizer or onlookers.
Liturgical Color:
White
Suggested Hymns:
From God The Father, Virgin Born
The Only Son From Heaven
I Bind Unto Myself Today
Bright And Glorious Is The Sky
O Chief Of Cities, Bethlehem
As With Gladness Men Of Old
The Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1)
It is easy to identify with John the Baptist,
Lord. We can understand why he was so confused.
He did not feel worthy to baptize Jesus!
He did not believe that this was part of the plan.
We know what confusion feels like too.
We are confused by choices and decisions which we
must make in life.
We wrestle with moral issues.
We face parenting dilemmas.
We struggle with medical decisions.
Sometimes, we are even confused about our
own identities.
Because of his faith, John the Baptist was
relieved of his confusion. He was given new
understanding of the plan for his life.
He listened. He changed. He grew.
Guide us to listen and to change when necessary.
Keep us on the growing edge of our faith so that
we are able to respond to your plan as it unfolds
in our lives.
Amen.
