The Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord opens Ordinary Time. It is not only about the Baptism of Jesus as administered by the Baptist, it is also about our own baptism. As Jesus is presented to us by the Father as "Son", so we too are invited to consider our own baptism and see it as the basis of our own life with the Trinity. Read the article here, and use the following as your guide for study and reflection.

Mark 1:7-11 is characterized by the first appearance of Jesus in the gospel. The Baptist refers to him as " the One mightier than I" whose sandal straps he is unworthy to unloose, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John's description of Jesus is complimented by Mark who narrates what happens after Jesus ascends from the waters of baptism.

Luke 2:1-21 can be divided into three episodes. The Christmas liturgy distributes 2:1-15 and 2:16-20 into two masses. Verse 21 is about the circumcision and naming of the new born babe and is marked out from the preceding with the phrase "and when eight days were fulfilled for his circumcision..." just as with verse 22 the account of the presentation begins with the phrase "and when the days of their purification were fulfilled."

Luke 2:22-38 presents the family of Joseph and Mary going to the temple for the presentation of the Lord. In this narrative, two characters are introduced by Luke, Simeon and Anna, people who have been waiting for the redemption of Israel. The voice of Simeon, however, is highlighted. As Zechariah prophesied about his son, so here, it is Simeon -- one of those who have been waiting for the saving action of the Lord -- who pronounces a blessing over Mary's son and a prophecy not only about the child but also about the mother.

The fourth Sunday of Advent is the Church's immediate preparation for the Liturgy of Christmas. During this week, the Simbang Gabi celebrations also approaches its high point. As the memorial day of the birth of the Lord nears, the Church presents to us the figure of Mary. She is the one after all who opens the door to the Incarnation by her cooperation in God's project of salvation. Read the relevant articles below and use the rest of this page as your guide to the Gospel reading from Luke 1:26-38.

On "Gaudete Sunday" we light the rose-colored candle, symbol of the nearness of the Lord. We wait like farmers who expect the sprouting of plants from a seed already sown. Our hope contains in itself its own realization. "In your midst is one whom you do not know", the Baptist tells his interlocutors. What the Baptist awaits is already there, though still unrecognized. The Christian who awaits the Lord, is awaiting His full manifestation as the Alpha and Omega of history. It is not as if He is not there. He is there but yet unmanifested. The Christian knows this, and so his own witness to the Lord is not without content. In fact, his witness should be for that reason filled with joy.

Overview

The selection 1 Cor. 1:3-9 contains the greeting (v.3) and the thanksgiving (vv.4-9). "Peace (to you)" would have been the normal Jewish greeting, but Paul has transformed it with the inclusion of "Grace" and the mention of "God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." The word "grace" will be taken up once more in v. 4 as part of the thanksgiving. The selection is also programmatic in that it shows us in advance the topics that Paul will be dealing in the letter.