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Welcome to Rochester's Lay Preaching Web Site

God’s Word, Many Voices
is a website which showcases weekly Sunday reflections by lay people
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, NY.
Happy New Year
to all our faithful readers and contributors!!

The Baptism of the Lord

January 10, 2021

Preacher: Christine Nowak Kvam

Also see Don't Throw in the Towel book club info below.

Readings: Isaiah 42: 1-4.6-7; Acts 10: 34-38; Mark 1: 7-11
Click here to download a PDF of this homily.

As the Gospel writers tell it, the significance of Jesus’ baptism isn’t really in the ritual of cleansing with water. The real meaning is found in what happens next. In a couple of simple sentences, Mark tells us three profound things: the heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and God spoke.

In the 1st century Jewish worldview, the dome of the sky separated what was above from what was below (Gen. 1:6-8). Clearly, God was “above,” and creation—including humanity—was “below.” So it’s not just a throwaway detail when the Evangelists write that the heavens were opened after Jesus’ baptism. This is their way of alerting us to a monumental concept. There is no longer a barrier separating God and humanity. Just as we celebrated two weeks ago at Christmas, we are again reminded that God has entered into our human existence. God is not only “above” but is also right here in the messy world.

In writing about Jesus’ baptism, bestselling author Rachel Held Evans emphasizes God’s nearness by pointing out that John the Baptist went outside (literally!) the traditional Jewish practices of ritual cleansing at the Temple.....Read More He re

What did you think of this week's reflection? To add a comment Click here! See COMMENTS below......

UPCOMING EVENTS

Don't Throw In The Towel Book Club: Women: Icons of Christ by Dr. Phyllis Zagano

January 21, 2021 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

ll are welcome to Zoom with us on January 21, 2021 at 4:00 PM to either listen in or comment on the following: Dr. Phyllis Zagano's book Women: Icons of Christ. The book is available on Amazon for about $15. See details on home page...

Litany of Solidarity and Hope During a Pandemic

https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/coronavirus-prayers

For those who are sick.
For those with chronic illnesses and underlying health concerns.
For all those who are suffering.

For those who are lonely.
For those who have no one to check on them.
For families that are separated.

For those who are unemployed.
For those suffering financial hardships.
For those who face an uncertain future.

For those who are suffering from physical or emotional abuse.
For those who are disproportionately suffering because of societal structures and unjust policies.
For those who are struggling with physical or mental disabilities.
For those who are overwhelmed by anxiety and stress.

For those who are dying.
For those who have died while saving the lives of others.
For all who have lost their lives.

For those who have survived.
For those who have lost their spouses.
For children who have been orphaned.
For all those who mourn and those who comfort them.

For firefighters, police, and emergency medical workers.
For doctors, nurses, and all health care professionals.
For those who serve in the armed forces.

For public officials.
For business leaders.
For educators.
For innovators and inventors who provide new solutions.

For peace in our city and in our world.
For renewed friendships among neighbors.
For solidarity and unity among all peoples.
For a greater appreciation and love of all humanity.

For patience and perseverance.
For calm in the midst of fear.
For the grace to overcome adversity.

For generosity of spirit.
For hope in times of despair.
For light in the darkness.

Gracious and Loving God,
You are our comforter and our hope.
Hear our prayers as we come before you.
Strengthen us in this time of need.
Inspire us to acts of solidarity and generosity
and give us hope of a brighter future.

Joseph P. Shadle

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Purpose

This website provides the opportunity to hear a variety of voices reflecting on the scriptures used in Sunday Masses. Lay men and women will contribute, along with priests and deacons, so that a diversity of viewpoints and experiences will inform and inspire the reader’s reflections. The site will be continuously expanded and improved to provide additional resources.