Word to the Wise
Monday, January 9, 2012 -
[Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Isaiah 55:1-11 or Acts 10:34-38 or 1 John 5:1-9 and Mark 1:7-11]Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit....[Isaiah 42] It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he sw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." [Mark]
The Baptism of the Lord celebrates the ministerial "debut" of Jesus! The Gospel of Mark, from which we read today, does not have any "infancy narrative" with stories of Jesus' birth and background. Mark begins with John the Baptist and his ministry which serves as the context for the introduction of Jesus! It is quite an introduction because Jesus is identified with the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah's prophecy. Since one of the great spiritual laments of that time was God's great silence - no prophets or great kings to lead Israel - Jesus represents God's voice once more speaking to the people! The heavens are "torn open" and the Spirit descends. It's quite an introduction, but we need to recognize that the account is for our benefit. Mark's story makes Jesus' experience a private one for Jesus' but a public one for the reader! The other two "synoptic" gospels "borrow" from Mark and add some details according to their own "portraits" of Jesus. Even the Gospel of John, which does not speak directly of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist, associates Jesus with John's ministry. Pope Bl. John Paul II made the Baptism of the Lord the first of the five new "Luminous Mysteries" that he added to the Rosary!
The process might be like the one when we bring a friend to a party to introduce him or her to a diverse group. We may find ourselves varying our introduction according to the people we are talking to. We might emphasize particular common connections or features of the life of the one being introduced. First impressions are lasting ones and as the one making introductions, we know we are creating an "impression" or a "narrative" that others will use in recalling the meeting! The Baptism of the Lord represents that challenge. It might be worthwhile to find our bible and read all four accounts of the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus' encounter and his baptism. It's a great introduction. AMEN