CTK – Baptism – Prayer Resources – W/C 13/1/25
Hello everyone, and welcome back to CTKPray. The prayer theme for this week is BAPTISM.
Baptism is the sacrament that welcomes us into God’s family and marks the beginning of our faith journey. It is a sign of cleansing and renewal, where we are freed from sin and filled with the Holy Spirit. Through Baptism, we are called to live as disciples of Christ, sharing His love with others.
This week, let us consider how we can embrace the values of Baptism—whether through our own sacramental journey or by reflecting on God’s invitation to each one of us to walk in His light.
This Sunday, we celebrated the Church’s new year as we enter into Year B in Ordinary Time. This week, we reflect on the theme of Baptism, a sacrament that marks the beginning of our journey as members of God’s family and the Church.
Ordinary Time is a season where we focus on the life and teachings of Jesus. It’s a time to grow in our faith, deepen our relationship with God, and live out the mission of our Baptism in everyday life. Baptism is a special moment when we are cleansed of sin, receive the Holy Spirit, and are welcomed into the Church. It’s like being given a fresh start, a new identity as beloved children of God.
This week we celebrate:
- Sunday, 13th January – The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
On this day, we remember Jesus’ own Baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, when the heavens opened, and God declared, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” - Monday–Friday – Ordinary Time, Week 1
These weekdays provide an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Jesus and His example, as we strive to live out our Baptismal calling. - Saturday, 18th January – Optional Memorial of Saint Margaret of Hungary, Virgin
Saint Margaret of Hungary lived a life dedicated to prayer, service, and humility. Her example inspires us to live as faithful disciples of Christ, fully committed to our Baptismal promises.
Below you will find the weekly readings from Sunday’s mass and scriptures taken from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament on the theme of Baptism
If you would like to explore your own scriptures, the link below will take you to open bible which allows you to explore scripture on any theme.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/joy
First reading Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Gospel Reading Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Hebrew Bible Exodus 19:7-11
So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you for ever.”
When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
New Testament Mark 1:4-8
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt round his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Visio Divina, meaning “Divine Seeing,” is a form of prayer in the Catholic Church that involves contemplating religious images or art to encounter God. It is similar to Lectio Divina (sacred reading), but instead of focusing on scripture, the participant meditates on visual representations, such as icons, paintings, or stained glass. The process usually involves several steps: gazing at the image, meditating on its meaning, praying in response to what is seen, and contemplating how the image speaks to one’s life. This practice deepens spiritual insight and fosters a connection with the divine through sacred imagery.
Think of one way you can be more like Jesus this week.
Let’s take this time to renew our commitment to God, remembering the joy and grace of our Baptism. Just as we might clean and refresh our homes, this is a time to cleanse our hearts, embrace forgiveness, and let God’s love flow through us.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Baptism, the sacrament that welcomes us into Your family and fills us with the light of the Holy Spirit. Help us to remember the promises made at our Baptism and to live as Your faithful children each day.As we journey through Ordinary Time, teach us to see the extraordinary grace in our everyday lives. May we be strengthened by Your love, guided by Your Word, and inspired to share Your kindness and mercy with others.
Lord, let us live out our calling with joy, courage, and a spirit of service, so that we may bring Your light to the world and grow ever closer to You.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Post Comment