There is no break between Christmas and Ordinary Time – one flows almost seamlessly into the other through the Baptism of Jesus. We ended our Christmas Season thinking about the “revelation” of the Son of God – people realising who this “Jesus of Nazareth” actually was – and this continues today, as we interject a passage from Saint John before we begin our weekly reading through Saint Matthew’s Gospel. New Year is about beginnings, and as we return to the beginning of Our Lord’s public ministry there is a sense of something exciting about to happen – even though we know the story, we dive into it once more, like returning to a favourite novel or film. So it is with joy that we stand in the country of the river Jordan, and recognise Jesus of Nazareth as the Chosen One of God, who offers himself to do God’s work.
Today’s Scripture (Psalter: Week 2)
Isaiah 49:3, 5–6
Response: Psalm 39
I waited, I waited for the Lord //
and he stooped down to me;
he heard my cry.
He put a new song into my mouth,
praise of our God.
You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,
but an open ear.
You do not ask for holocaust and victim.
Instead, here am I.
In the scroll of the book it stands written
that I should do your will.
My God, I delight in your law
in the depth of my heart
Your justice I have proclaimed
in the great assembly
My lips I have not sealed;
you know it, O Lord.
(Sung Antiphon: Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
1 Corinthians 1: 1 – 3
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
John 1: 29 – 34
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, send your grace and peace.
