6th Form – First week of Ordinary Time – Baptism

We have finished the Christmas season! The decorations are down, and the Kings have gone home. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. You might think Baptism is just something that happens to babies in white dresses, but today we are looking at Jesus getting baptised as an adult. It was the moment He stepped out of the crowd and heard God say exactly who He was. This week is all about Identity. Who are you? And who does God say you are?

Baptism SSPP

Day 1 – The Voice from Heaven

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

A reading from the Gospel of Mark (1:9-11)

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.'”

The Gospel of the Lord

R./ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Imagine the scene. Jesus has been living a quiet life as a carpenter for 30 years. Nobody really knows who He is yet. He steps into the river, gets dunked under the water, and when He comes up, the sky rips open. God the Father speaks, but He doesn’t give Jesus a list of jobs to do. He doesn’t say, “Go and save the world.” He simply says, “You are my Son. I love you.” Before Jesus did a single miracle, before He preached a single sermon, He was already loved. The same is true for you. You don’t have to earn God’s love by getting good grades or being the captain of the team. You are already His beloved child.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think it was important for Jesus to hear that He was “Beloved” before He started his difficult work?
Do you find it easy or hard to believe that God loves you just as you are, without you doing anything to earn it?
If God wrote a letter to you today, what do you think He would say?

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Father God, Thank you that you know my name. Thank you that before I do any work, pass any test, or score any goal, I am already loved by you. Help me to remember my true identity as your child today.

Amen.

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