"THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER" (Lk 24:49) - One Bread, One Body, 1/11/2009

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Sunday, January 11, 2009, Baptism of Jesus

Isaiah 55:1-11, 1 John 5:1-9, Isaiah 12:2-6, Mark 1:7-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011109.shtml

"THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER" (Lk 24:49)

"Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the
Jordan." —Mark 1:9

At the Jordan river, God told Joshua: "Today I will begin to exalt you in
the sight of all Israel, that they may know I am with you" (Jos 3:7). Then
Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan river into the land of promise
(Jos 3:14ff). Once in the promised land, the Israelites "ate their fill;
when filled, they became proud of heart and forgot" God (Hos 13:6).

In the same Jordan river, Jesus, the new Joshua, was baptized. When Jesus
rose out of the waters of the Jordan, God exalted Him in the sight of all
by testifying that Jesus is His beloved Son (Lk 3:21-22; 1 Jn 5:9). Jesus
left the Jordan and walked into the same promised land as Joshua had
earlier, inviting us to a fresh start and a new baptismal fullness.

In this land of promise, Jesus tells us: "I send down upon you the promise
of My Father" (Lk 24:49), life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus baptizes us into
God's family that we "might become sharers of the divine nature" (2 Pt
1:4). He lavishes the Spirit on us (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34) to give us abundant
life (Jn 10:10; Is 55:2-3).

On this last day of the Christmas season, promise the Lord that you won't
become proud and forget Him as did the Israelites. Keep your promise by
letting Jesus "baptize you in the Holy Spirit" (Mk 1:8). Each day, "seek
the Lord" and "listen to" Jesus (Is 55:6; Lk 9:35). Live the "radical
newness" of your Baptismal life (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People,
Pope John Paul II, 10).

Prayer: "God indeed is my Savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength
and my courage is the Lord" (Is 12:2).

Promise: "All you who are thirsty, come to the water!" —Is 55:1

Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose Spirit is the Promise of the Father (Acts
1:4). Praise Jesus, the Beloved Son of the Father. Alleluia!

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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