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?
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.
Day 2 – Silenzio Bruno!
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.
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.
We all have a voice in our head that sometimes tells us we aren’t good enough, or that we should be scared, or that we will fail if we try. In the Disney Pixar movie Luca, the characters give that nagging, negative voice a name: “Bruno.” And they have a specific way of dealing with it.
“Silenzio Bruno!” It’s a funny phrase, but it teaches us something important. The negative voice in your head that says “You can’t do this” or “You don’t belong here” is lying to you. In Baptism, God gives us a new voice to listen to. He calls us “Beloved.” When you feel fear holding you back from being yourself or doing something good, you can reject that fear. You can say “Silenzio!” to the doubt, because you know who you really are. You are a child of God, and you are made to do amazing things.
- What is your “Bruno” saying to you today? (e.g. “Don’t put your hand up”, “You aren’t smart enough”).
- How would it feel to just tell that voice to be quiet?
- Take a moment to listen to the other voice—the voice of God—that says: “You are brave. You are loved.”
God of Light, Forgive us for the times we hide our talents out of fear. Remind us that we are made to shine. Give us the confidence to be our true selves this term, and by doing so, light up the way for others. Amen.
Day 3 – Give it a spin!
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
Baptism isn’t just about identity; it’s about action. When we know we are loved by God, it changes how we treat other people. In your new form boxes, you will find a Coloured Selection Wheel. We are going to use this to help us choose our “Attitude” for the day.
Take the wheel out of the box.
As a form, choose 6 positive attitudes or actions to write on the 6 coloured sections of the wheel.
Suggestions: Kindness, Patience, Hard Work, Joy, Helping Others, Forgiveness.
Spin the wheel!
Whatever it lands on, that is your form’s “Secret Mission” for today.
Example: If it lands on “Kindness,” everyone tries to do one extra act of kindness before the end of the day.
Lord, We mark our planners with a crown to remind us of the Wise Men. Bless the work we will do this year. When we feel lazy or tired, help us to see the Crown and remember that we have valuable gifts to give. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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