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Baptism of the Lord –Joining with Christ in MissionBy Tom East

PurposeWhen Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, everyone was startled, even before God spoke from the heavens. In this surprising event, Jesus teaches us the nature of baptism. In this session, participants learn about this gospel story and explore implications for our baptism.

Component: Catechesis

Session at a Glance7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions, Community Builder: Group

Juggling7:20 pm Presentation of the Gospel Story7:50 pm Acrostic Exercise

Presentation about BaptismPersonal Acrostics

8:25 pm Closing Prayer8:45 pm Announcements and Refreshments9:00 pm Good Night!

Materials Needed Several small lightweight plastic or foam balls, one ball for every three

people Five copies of Resource 1, Choral Reading Presentation of the

Baptism of the Lord – Take One! Five copies of Resource 2, Choral Reading Presentation of the

Baptism of the Lord – Take Two! One copy of Resource 3, Meaning of Baptism One copy of Resource 4, Witness Preparation Newsprint and markers 8½ x 11 paper, 1 sheet for each participant 8½ x 11 construction paper in various colors, 1 sheet per participant Markers for participants A large tub of water and an evergreen branch A prayer focus table with a cloth, crucifix, Bible, and candle Matches or lighter

Baptism of the Lord: Joining with Christ in Mission, p. 1Copyright © Center for Ministry Development, 2004. All rights reserved.

Prepare in Advance1. Prepare for your teaching about Jesus’ baptism and about the meaning

of baptism. See Resource 5, Baptism of the Lord. See also these references in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

a. John’s Baptism of Jesus: #438b. Meaning of Baptism: #1213 and #1279

2. Select four youth to present the reading of the Gospel in a choral reading style. A choral reading is simpler than a skit because the readers don’t memorize their parts, but the reading is enhanced by the different voices. Give the readers copies of the two resources: “Take One” and “Take Two.” Ask another adult to work with the group to prepare for the readings. Note to Leader: In the second time through, the readers will pause for your comments and group discussion.

3. Cut Resource 3, “Meaning of Baptism,” into 8 slips with each slip having one numbered statement. Ask eight people to help you with this section by giving them the statement and asking them to be ready to stand and read the statement aloud.

4. Ask a member of your youth ministry team or of the wider parish community to provide a brief witness presentation about their call to ministry and the ways that they live out their baptism. Invite them to use the Resource 4, “Witness Preparation,” to prepare. Review their ideas for the presentation prior to the session.

5. Create a newsprint sheet with these questions:Think of a time when you saw someone do something surprising.What did you see? How did you feel about what happened?

6. Create a newsprint sheet with these questions:What did you see?What did you notice?What did you find most interesting?

7. Create a newsprint sheet with this example:Acrostic for: Shrek Scary at firstHuggable once you get to know himReally green Enchanted Kisser of Princess Fiona

8. Create a newsprint sheet with this description:


Create an Acrostic for Jesus Christ that describes his mission.

J___________________E___________________S___________________U___________________S___________________

C___________________H___________________R___________________I____________________S____________________T____________________

9. Make a poster that summarizes the meaning of baptism

Being baptized means.....1. being welcomed 2. being healed3. seeing others as Christ would see them 4. being life-giving5. turning from sin and turning towards Christ 6. turning to the faith community for support 7. staying connected to Jesus and to the faith community 8. being Christ’s light to the world by serving those in need

10. Prepare for the closing prayer.oThe prayer space: Create a prayer focus with the bowl of water and

evergreen branch along with a Bible, cross, and candle. o Select the music:

Reflective music to use when the community gathers A song during the sprinkling rite such as “Let the River Flow,” by Darrel Evans, Spirit & Song (OCP) A closing song such as “Shine, Jesus, Shine” by Graham Kendrick, arranged by Rick Modlin, Spirit & Song (OCP)

o Select and prepare three readers for the three readings.o Review the prayer leader instructions.

Welcome and Community Builder (20 minutes)As participants arrive, ask each person to write their name in large print on a name tag, and place it on their shirt or blouse.


Invite participants to join in a challenge activity entitled, “Group Juggling.” Gather the participants into groups of 5 to 8 people. Hand the first ball to a group member. Say:

The remaining group members now hold their hands up until they receive the ball. The group member with the ball calls the name of another group member and tosses the ball to him/her. Then that person calls the name of another group member and tosses the object to him/her. Continue until everyone in the group has handled the ball, and it has returned to the person who started it.

Allow time for the groups to do this.

Now instruct them to repeat the process by saying:

Let’s do this again. This time, the ball must be handled in the same order and you continue to call out names before throwing the ball. Once your group has the system down, you may be timed and work on speed.

Once the ball is halfway around the group, hand another ball to the first person. Once they’ve done two, hand the first person a third ball and then a fourth. Each time the object must be passed in the person order that was established initially. If you have multiple groups, you can have half of each group rotate to another group (this would be a way for people to learn additional names). Another variation: Ask the group to reverse order with one ball and then add additional balls. In a final round, you can ask groups to pass the balls as quickly as they can without dropping. Instruct groups to sit down after they have dropped a ball. Continue until you have one group.

In the large group, invite responses to the following questions:

What made it hard to do this exercise? What made it easier?

Ask everyone to cover up their name tag, and ask for a volunteer to name everyone in their group. Close this exercise with these comments:

In our activity, we called each other’s name before throwing the ball. We were also called by name when we were baptized. This coming Sunday, we will focus upon the gospel story of the Baptism of the Lord, during which Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. In our session tonight, we will learn more about this story and reflect on our own baptism.

Presentation of the Reading of the Baptism of the Lord (30 minutes)Begin the presentation of the reading by asking participants to reflect individually in silence on this topic:


Think of a time when you saw someone do something surprising. What did you see? How did you feel about what happened?

After one or two minutes of quiet time, ask for sample responses from the large group.

Introduce the reading in these or similar words:

We are going to listen to the story of Jesus’ baptism presented in many voices. We are going to experience the reading twice. In the second time through, I will be asking you questions. During this first reading, I want you to imagine that you are standing on the outside of this scene watching what is happening. At the end of the reading, I will ask you what you saw, what you noticed, and what struck you as most interesting.

Present the choral reading of the Gospel using Resource 1, Choral Reading Presentation of the Baptism of the Lord—Take One!

Divide the participants into small groups of 3 to 4. Ask them to reflect on the questions listed on the newsprint:

What did you see happening in this story?What did you notice?What did you find most interesting?

Allow 5 minutes for small group discussion. At the end of the discussion, invite sample responses to the questions.

Present the choral reading of the Gospel using Resource 2, Choral Reading Presentation of the Baptism of the Lord—Take Two!

After the introduction to the second choral reading, say:

This feast marks the end of the Christmas season. The story we hear in the Gospel marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Matthew’s Gospel goes right from the Holy Family’s return from Egypt to an explanation of John the Baptist and the description of Jesus’ baptism. The years between are sometimes called ‘the hidden years.’

Narrator: A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew.All: Glory to you, O Lord.Narrator: Jesus, coming from Galilee, appeared before John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

Leader comments: John the Baptist had been calling the people to conversion and was describing one who was to come after him. He was probably surrounded by followers when Jesus approached him.

Invite large group responses to these questions:


If you were one of John’s followers, what would you be feeling when you saw Jesus approach your leader? What would you be thinking?

Leader comments: Jesus’ baptism is a puzzling event and was even more puzzling to the people of his day. For the Jews, a baptism was a ritual washing. The Greek baptizo literally means, “to wash.” The Jews were constantly baptizing people and things when they were considered to be unclean. At the river Jordan, John was preaching baptism as repentance for sin. People came to him, confessed their sins, and he ritually “washed” them to show the change taking place within them—to show their conversion.1

Narrator: John tried to refuse him with the protest, John the Baptist: I should be baptized by you, yet you come to me!

Invite large group responses to these questions:If you were John the Baptist, what you be feeling when Jesus asked you to baptize him? What would you be thinking?

Leader comments:John was probably overwhelmed, confused, and humbled. In Jesus’ baptism, God changes how we understand baptism. Baptism means joining with Christ in His mission, strengthened by the Holy Spirit. John spoke of this change saying ‘I baptize with water, but the one who comes will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.’2

Narrator: Jesus answered,

Jesus: Give in for now. We must do this is we would fulfill all of God’s demands.

Leader comments:For Jesus, this event changed his life. After years of quiet, ordinary living at Nazareth, unknown except to His mother, relatives, friends, and townspeople, Jesus becomes a public person—‘The Servant of the Lord.’ 3

Invite large group responses to these questions:If you were Jesus, what would you be feeling? What would you be thinking?

Leader comments: Jesus didn’t need to be baptized in the Jewish sense of being washed because he was already sinless. He joined in this act of baptism to identify with our sin and suffering, to show that besides being the Son of God he was also a good Jew and did all

things as prescribed, and to start his public ministry of proclaiming God’s kingdom.

Narrator: So John gave in. After Jesus was baptized, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened and he saw the Spirit of


God descend like a dove and hover over him. With that, a voice from the heavens said,

God the Father: This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him.

Leader comments: John’s baptism of Jesus reveals Jesus’ identity and the testimony about him came

not from just any witness but from God: “This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him.” These words echo the prophecy of Isaiah that we hear in the first reading: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” 4

Names are important—when we give something or someone a name it tells us about their role or function. A dining room is the place where we eat. A waiter in a restaurant is someone who waits on the customers. Being named is an important part of our ceremony for baptism. In Jesus’ baptism, he is named by God the father as “My beloved Son.”5

Jesus’ baptism was a turning point for him; this event marks the end of his life as an anonymous carpenter’s son and the beginning of his public ministry. This is part of God’s loving plan: Jesus is born and enters our humanity; he is baptized and begins his ministry; he heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and teaches all whom he encounters of the bountiful love of God; he is crucified and dies to save all from sin and he rises from the dead to “be with us always.”

In our baptism we are joined to Christ. His baptism reminds us of our call to share Good News and serve others. Like Jesus, we were named at Baptism and called to ministry. We continue to learn the meaning of our baptism and our call to serve others throughout our life.

Narrator: The Gospel of the Lord.All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection on Baptism (35 minutes)Step One: (15 minutes) To explore the meaning of Jesus’ baptism, ask participants to work in small group to create an acrostic that describes Jesus mission. An acrostic is type of poem that is a list of words or phrases. The first letter of each word or phrase creates a word or phrase. For instance, an acrostic for the movie character, Shrek, could be:

Scary at firstHuggable once you get to know himReally green Enchanted Kisser of Princess Fiona

Invite the group to work in pairs or groups of three to create an acrostic for Jesus Christ. Introduce the activity using the “Shrek” example posted on newsprint. Explain that Jesus baptism was the beginning of his mission to preach and heal. Ask participants to think of all of the things that Jesus does after His baptism and create their poem using those ideas.


Distribute 8½ x 11 paper and markers for each group. Allow 5-7 minutes for small group work. After the group work time, invite groups to share their poem. Have groups post their poem in the shape of a cross on the wall.

Step Two: (10 minutes) Provide a brief introduction about the meaning of baptism:

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation and welcomes us into the Christian community. Many of us were baptized as infants; some of us here may have been baptized as a child, youth, or adult. Others among us may not be baptized yet. To understand the meaning of our baptism takes a lifetime, which is why it is good to take the time to reflect on its meaning. I distributed 8 slips of paper that have reminders for us of the meaning of baptism. I would ask that the people who received this slips would now stand and read their statement about baptism.

Turn over newsprint with these eight statements and ask the eight people who were selected to read stand and read their statement clearly.

Step Three: (10 minutes) After the reading of the statements, ask participants to create an acrostic using their name (first name only or first and last name). Say:

This poem should describe the way that you are living out your baptism by joining in Jesus’ mission.

Distribute paper and markers to participants. Ask them to work individually in silence. Play soft music on in the background.

Closing Prayer (20 minutes)GatherPlay reflective music as people gather in the prayer space. While gathering, invite participants to post the acrostic poem of their name and the meaning of baptism on the wall surrounding the cross.

Gathering Ritual When everyone is in place, the leader stands and begins the blessing of water.

Prayer Leader: (begin with the Sign of the Cross)Dear Friends, this water reminds us of our baptism and of our call to servant leadership within the Christian community. We were baptized as Priest, Prophet, and King. Our baptism calls us to lead as Jesus does by serving others. Let us ask God to bless this water. Invite everyone to extend their hands in a sign of blessing.

Prayer Leader:Creator God, your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth. We ask you now to bless this water. Renew the living spring of your life within us and protect us


in spirit and body. May this water remind us of our baptism and of our call to use our gifts and talents for the spread of your Good News. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALL: Amen.

ListenInvite the volunteer to proclaim Isaiah 42:1-7. Allow a moment or two of quiet reflection.

Leader Comments:This reading is the first reading for this coming Sunday’s celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. In this reading, Isaiah describes the Servant of the Lord, an image that Jesus fulfilled through his ministry of healing and through his death and resurrection. We have asked a member of our community to provide a short witness presentation about (his/her) call to live out their baptism joined to Christ’s mission.

Witness Presentation (5–7 minutes)

RespondAllow a period of silent reflection at the end of the guest’s presentation.

Prayer Leader:In our gathering tonight we have been reflecting on the meaning of Jesus’ baptism for our own lives. Together, let us renew our baptismal vows as a way of remembering our commitment to join in Jesus’ mission.

Renewal of vows Leader:

As followers of Jesus, we stand united through baptism as a community of faith. Let us together remember and profess the faith which unites us.

Do you believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

All: I do.

Leader:Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,who was born of the Virgin Mary,was crucified, died and was buried,rose from the dead,and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

All: I do.

Leader:Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,


and life everlasting?

All: I do.

Leader:This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All: Amen.

Reader 2:Don’t you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life by the glory of God the Father. (Romans 6:3-4 CEV)

Leader:(Raise the bowl of water.)

As we are blessed with the water, may we be reminded of the gift and promise of our own Baptism, and silently pray for Christ’s guidance in living as his baptized followers.

(Dip the evergreen branch in the water, and use it to sprinkle the participants with the water. Sing or play an appropriate song during this sprinkling rite, such as “Let the River Flow” by Darrel Evans, Spirit & Song (OCP).)

Leader:Through our baptism we became joined with Christ and members of the Church. As we strive to live as Christians, let us together ask for God’s guidance as we share the prayer that Jesus taught us.

All: Our Father...

Reader 3 Jesus came to them and said:I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them disciples. Baptism them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. (Matthew 28:18)

Go ForthLeader

As a community of faith, we welcome all who enter, we support all who struggle, and we strive to serve all who are in need. Before we go forth to be disciples, and to “love


and serve one another”—let us share with each other a sign of Christ’s peace. Allow a few minutes for the sign of peace. Then say,

After we close our prayer, I invite you to take your name poem from the wall with you as you go tonight. I hope this poem will remind each of us to live out our baptismal call each and every day.

Closing PrayerLeader:

Loving God, you call us to join in Christ’s mission to heal, to teach and to serve all those in need. You call us to holiness and to community. Be with us and strengthen us so that may live as your sons and daughters. Guide us as disciples so that we may experience the fullness of living in your grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Closing song: Consider: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” by Graham Kendrick, arranged by Rick Modlin, in Spirit & Song (OCP).

Announcements and Refreshments (15 minutes)Make any needed announcements about upcoming programs and activities. Invite everyone to enjoy some refreshments.

This session was written by Tom East, Director of the Center for Ministry Development, Gig Harbor, Washington.


http://www.cmdnet.org/ymaauthors

Resource 1 Choral Reading Presentation of the

Baptism of the Lord – Take One!

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Baptism of the Lord – Cycle A

Narrator: A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew.All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Narrator: Jesus, coming from Galilee, appeared before John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to refuse him with the protest,

John the Baptist: I should be baptized by you, yet you come to me!

Narrator: Jesus answered,

Jesus: Give in for now. We must do this is we would fulfill all of God’s demands.

Narrator: So John gave in. After Jesus was baptized, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened and he saw the Spirit of God descent like a dove and hover over him. With that, a voice from the heavens said,

God the Father: This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him.

Narrator: The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.


Resource 2Choral Reading Presentation of the

Baptism of the Lord – Take Two!

Note to Readers: In this second time through, the Leader will be interjecting comments and inviting group discussion. Note the times listed to pause in the reading.

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 - Baptism of the Lord – Cycle A(Pause for Leader introduction.)

Narrator: A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew.All: Glory to you, O Lord.Narrator: Jesus, coming from Galilee, appeared before John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. (Pause for Leader comments and discussion.) Narrator: John tried to refuse him with the protest, John the Baptist: I should be baptized by you, yet you come to me!(Pause for Leader comments and discussion.)

Narrator: Jesus answered,Jesus: Give in for now. We must do this is we would fulfill all of God’s demands.(Pause for Leader comments and discussion.)

Narrator: So John gave in. After Jesus was baptized, he came directly out of the water. Suddenly, the sky opened and he saw the Spirit of God descent like a dove and hover over him. With that, a voice from the heavens said, God the Father: This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him.(Pause for Leader comments and discussion.)

Narrator: The Gospel of the Lord.All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.


Resource 3

The Meaning of Baptism[Make one copy and cut apart into slips of paper.

Distribute to eight participants to read when instructed to do so.]

Being baptized means.....

1. being welcomed, and becoming a person who is welcoming

2. being healed, and becoming a person who is healing

3. seeing others as Christ would see them

4. being life-giving and positive and in our attitudes and actions

5. turning from sin and turning towards Christ for guidance through prayer

6. turning to the faith community for support in times of need, confusion, and doubt

7. staying connected to Jesus and to the faith community by participating in church activities, celebrations, and sacraments

8. being Christ’s light to the world by serving those in need


Resource 4

Witness PreparationIn the closing prayer, you have been asked to provide a brief witness about your call to join in Christ’s mission through your baptism. The reading that will focus your witness is the first reading for the liturgy of the Baptism of the Lord and is Isaiah’s description of the Servant of the Lord. In preparing for your presentation, use the following questions as a guide. Keep in mind that your presentation should be focused, personal, and brief—no more than five to seven minutes.The following ideas provide a sample outline and some reflection questions to help you prepare for your presentation.1. Introduce yourself: Who are you? Where do you live? What is your connection to the parish and to youth ministry? 2. How are you living out your call to ministry? How do you identify with the description of service and ministry in Isaiah? Explain the ways that you live your call. If you are involved in a specific ministry, talk about what you do. Who do you work with? What do you do while you’re with them?

3. Tell a story or share an incident about living your call.4. What are the challenges to living out this call?5. How do you sustain yourself in living out your call? 6. What do you believe about baptism? What does it mean to you?

Baptism of the Lord: Joining with Christ in Mission, p. 16© Center for Ministry Development, 2004. All rights reserved.

Resource 5

Baptism of the LordSummarizing the Baptism of Jesus as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn that the Baptism of Jesus was a major turning point in His life. Prior to it, we know very little of His life between age twelve and thirty. "Jesus' public life began with His Baptism by Saint John the Baptist in the Jordan. [Lk. 3:23; Acts 1:22] John preached 'a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins'. [Lk. 3:3] A crowd of sinners, [Lk. 3:10-14; Mt. 3:7; 21:32] tax collectors and soldiers, Pharisees and Sadducees, and prostitutes, came to be baptized by him. 'Then Jesus appears.' The Baptist hesitates, but Jesus insists and receives Baptism. Then the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, comes upon Jesus and a voice from heaven proclaims, 'This is my beloved Son.' [Mt 3:13-17] This is the manifestation ('Epiphany') of Jesus as Messiah of Israel and Son of God." (CCC # 535)

"The Baptism of Jesus is on His part the acceptance and inauguration of His mission as God's suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; He is already "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". [Jn. 1:29; Is. 53:12] Already He is anticipating the "Baptism" of His bloody death. [Mk. 10:38; Lk. 12:50] Already He is coming to "fulfill all righteousness", that is, He is submitting Himself entirely to His Father's will: out of love He consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. [Mt 3:15; 26:39] The Father's voice responds to the Son's acceptance, proclaiming His entire delight in His Son. [Lk. 3:22; Is. 42:1] The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from His conception comes to "rest on Him". [Jn. 1:32-33; Is. 11:2] Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At his baptism "the heavens were opened," [Mt 3:16] the heavens that Adam's sin had closed, and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation." (CCC # 536)

"Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in His own baptism anticipates His death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with Him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father's beloved son in the Son and "walk in newness of life": [Rom 6:4] Let us be buried with Christ by Baptism to rise with Him; let us go down with Him to be raised with Him; and let us rise with Him to be glorified with Him. [St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Oratio 40, 9: PG 36, 369] Everything that happened to Christ lets us know that, after the bath of water, the Holy Spirit swoops down upon us from high heaven and that, adopted by the Father's voice, we become sons of God. [St. Hilary of Poitiers, In Matth. 2, 5: PL 9, 927]" (CCC # 537)


Endnotes / Sources:


1 Rev. Alex Stevenson, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church. Sermons by Topic: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/1506/topical.htm. “Sermon for 1st Sunday after Epiphany, Year A—January 13, 2002,” p. 2. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/1506/epiph1a.htm.22Stevenson, p. 2.33 Bishop Paul S. Loverde, special to the Catholic Herald, from the issue of January 16, 2003, p. 1. http://www.catholicherald.com/loverde/2003homilies/homily0116.htm. 44 Paul Turner, “Baptism of the Lord,” Ministry and Liturgy Magazine, February 1999. http://www.rpinet.com/ml/2601bi1.html. 5 Stevenson, p. 2.

http://www.rpinet.com/ml/2601bi1.html

http://www.catholicherald.com/loverdo/2003homilies/homily0116.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/1506/epiph1a.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/1506/topical.htm

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