Fr. Craig's Contemplations Baptism of the Lord Dear Friends, we celebrate the baptism of the Lord. We hear those most sacred words from God the Father, “you are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” In our minds, as we pray over this event of our Lord Jesus’ baptism, it is said that the “heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon Him, like a dove…” from this, those near could hear the voice of God the Father.
Brothers and Sisters – this wasn’t just a historical event. The voice of the Lord continues to speak, in the sacred silence of our minds, our prayers and our hearts.
When arriving at St. Anne’s I was asked if I would please continue in the tradition of having a solemn sacred moment of silence, after the distribution of Holy Communion and then just prior to the post-communion prayer. It’s a beautiful tradition and in this solemn sacred moment of silence, we can ponder in our prayers, what is the voice of the Lord calling me to do?
Second, the baptism of the Lord, helps us to also remember, Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans. When we receive our own baptism, we receive “divine adoption” and are then INVITED to be a part of a family that reaches to the ends of the earth through our holy Catholic Church. St. Thomas Aquinas talks about the “ontological change” – I digress to say, I am a simple parish priest, and metaphysic’s were certainly not my gift. However, the “ontological change” can be considered the “divine stamping” of our Lord’s Love on our souls. It’s a “diving stamping” that is permanent, and from this we are claimed by Him to be a part of a family for our earthly pilgrimage and into our pilgrimage after this life.
Let us give thanks to God for the gift of Baptism and let us ask the Lord, from the gift of Baptism, how am I being called to share the Love that has been stamped onto our hearts.
May God bless you! Fr. Craig
READINGS FOR JANUARY 9, 2022
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
1st Reading—Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11—“Comfort, give comfort to my people.” Isaiah prophesies that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it.”
Responsorial Psalm: 29: 1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10— “O bless the Lord, my soul. O bless the Lord, my soul.”
2nd Reading—Titus 2: 11-4; 3: 4-7—Through the grace of God’s appearance, we have been saved “Through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! “The Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice cried out, “This is my beloved Son.” Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Gospel—Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22—When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and a voice said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD - C - JANUARY 9, 2022
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Church: God, you anointed Jesus with spirit and power at his baptism. Uphold your servant, the Church, and fill all the baptized with the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. WE pray to the Lord…
2) Let us pray for hope in our nation and our cities: Be a light for all the nations, loving God, and inspire our civil leaders. Establish your justice on the earth and help us respect every person. May we show no partiality and overcome prejudice. We pray to the Lord…
3) Let us pray for all of the baptized: May we through our baptism, recommit ourselves to our faith and Nurture our children in the love of Christ. We pray to the Lord…
4) Let us pray for the sick: Send your healing Spirit upon our ailing members and friends -- Marge Park Kirk McCoy Betty Morici Daniel Cole Kevin Petrusha Ruthie Reid Don Kengurski And for all who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord…
5) Let us remember the dead: Welcome our beloved as your own sons and daughters. Embrace them with eternal life, especially –Jadwiga Bembenek and… (5:00 Mass) Richard & Cecily Siring, Mary Fetzer (8:30 Mass) Stefan Kolanko & Family (10:30 Mass) Holly Francis we pray to the Lord…
ANNOUNCEMENTS—January 9, 2022
Middle school Youth ministry will meet on Tuesday, January 11TH from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Solanus Hall.
The quilting and craft group will meet next Saturday, January 15th from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.
The parish offices will be closed on Monday, January 17th, and the Mass on that Monday will be at 9 a.m. not 7 p.m.
(Saturday) please join us for our monthly potluck after Mass in Hardy Hall.
(Sunday) please join us in Hardy Hall for coffee, donuts and fellowship.
PLEASE TAKE HOME ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL POINSETTIAS.