The Baptism of the Lord - Year C

Gospel for the day - The Baptism of the Lord

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 ‘When Jesus had been baptised and was praying, the heavens were opened.’

At that time: As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, ‘I baptise you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’


Now when all the people were baptised by John the Baptist and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


A very happy new year to all our parishioners in the Cluster!

As baptised infant, most of us had important promises made for us by parents. Sometimes we get the chance to renew these promises for ourselves during another’s baptism service – but do we fully understand what we are promising? Baptism promises read like a list of things to believe in; but baptism is not about what to believe – rather it’s about who to believe in…


  1. How might you strengthen your relationship with God as Parent, Son or Spirit throughout your day during simple routine actions, such as making a drink; using transport; before/after eating? Let God pepper our day.
  2. Do you think that God was “well pleased” by your actions in recent weeks? Why?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


For Pope Francis and all church leaders that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit, the spirit of love, as they proclaim Christ to the world.
Lord, hear us.


For world leaders, that putting aside personal gain they will make global justice and peace a priority.
Lord, hear us.

 

For all who live in the darkness of violence, bleakness and hopelessness. We ask that peace may become real in every nation, household and human heart.
Lord, hear us.

 

For the unity of all Christians. May we recognise the dignity of our common baptism and work together to make Christ’s message of hope and love known throughout the world.

Lord, hear us.

 

For our world, for the whole of creation, hurting through climate disaster. Grant us wisdom to care for the earth. To act now for the good of future generations and all creatures. May we become instruments of a new creation, founded on God’s covenant of love.
Lord, hear us.


For ourselves; that we recognise the gifts that God has given us and  use them for the benefit of all with whom we come into contact, especially those who struggle from the pressures of daily living.
Lord, hear us.


For those who are sick in mind, body or spirit, at home or in hospital. Especially Fr Alex and Fr Nick. May they experience God’s healing power through the tenderness and compassion of those who care for them.

Lord, hear us.



We remember those who have died especially: Josie Marino Perry, George Lynch, Freda Horrocks, Patricia Hunter, Theresa Martin, Marie Purden, and those who are bereaved. May the light of Christ, bring them comfort and peace
Lord, hear us.



We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 2:1-11 ‘This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee.’


At that time: There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’


Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding seventy or one hundred litres. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.’


This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Mary seems to know better than Jesus when “his hour has come”. The vast quantity of water becoming wine is the “sign” of some deeply dramatic change that Jesus will bring to the world over the next three or so years – a foretaste of the banquet where his followers will be changed from the mediocrity of sin and death to the joy of everlasting life.


  1. Recall a time when you were unsure about a course of thought or action in your life but were persuaded to do it all the same – with a surprisingly good outcome. Who or what persuaded you to go ahead in the end?
  2. When have you stepped in, as Mary did at Cana, to try and make a difficult situation easier for someone?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center