Readings for Sunday, January 13, 2019 — Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (or Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11); Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 (or Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30); Acts 10:34-38 (or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7); Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Suggested Reflection Questions:

• Both the first reading from Isaiah and  the Gospel of Luke describe a “servant,” a “chosen one,” a “beloved son” with whom God is well pleased. Reflecting on today’s readings, what can we as beloved servants and children of God by virtue of our baptism  do that will be pleasing to God?
• Do you remember your baptism? Have you ever witnessed a baptism? What was it like? What does it mean to you to be baptized “with the Holy Spirit and fire?”
• In Acts, Peter declares that “God shows no partiality … rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.” God’s favor is not the sole possession of any nation or people. How does this affect the way we understand the role of our nation in the world?