Baptism of Jesus - Resources

 

 

 

bullet CatholicMom.com Coloring Activity Baptism of Jesus - Three very nice coloring pages to print out.

bullet Links to images of the Baptism of Jesus - Over 50 links to pages containing paintings of great masters and contemporary artists who have explored the theme of the Baptism of our Lord..

bullet Prayerful Meditation on the First Decade of the Rosary of Light - The first decade of the Rosary of Light with Scripture and meditations. This is also available in pdf format - easier to print.

bullet www.word-sunday.com has commentaries on the story of the Baptism of our Lord in Matthew and Mark, one for adults and one for children. The latter uses stories to explain the meaning of the texts. Good resources.

Here are a few brief excerpts from various resources available on the Internet on the Baptism of Jesus. You can read the rest of the articles by clicking on the links provided.

bullet "Note that Jesus does not contradict John when he says, “I should be baptized by you!” In a very real way, John was right. However, Jesus only says, “Give in for now.” Jesus had a bigger plan in mind, and he was asking John to co-operate by laying aside his own way of thinking “for now.” Does God ever ask you to “give in” on smaller issues?" - Exploring the Sunday and Holy Day Readings - The Baptism of the Lord (Feast) from the William H. Sadlier, Inc.web site.
Baptism of Jesus

bullet "The fact of Jesus' baptism has been a christological and theological issue to be reckoned with almost since it happened. After all, why would Jesus, who was sinless, participate in a rite for sinners? Also, why would Jesus, the Messiah and clearly superior to John the Baptist, submit to the authority of John?" - Feast of the Baptism of The Lord. - Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church of Picayune, MSA (pdf format).

bullet "So as to be available more to the graces of the readings and the Eucharist, we might imagine Jesus standing knee-deep in the Jordan River, clothes dripping and his face turned up towards the sky. John the Baptist is ahead of Jesus standing on the bank and he too seems to be listening to something up there." Daily Reflections - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord by Larry Gillick, S.J. -

bullet "Our Lord voluntarily submitted himself to the baptism of St. John, intended for sinners, in order to "fulfil all righteousness." Jesus' gesture is a manifestation of his self-emptying. The Spirit who had hovered over the waters of the first creation descended then on the Christ as a prelude of the new creation, and the Father revealed Jesus as his "beloved Son." - CCC #1224, see also #1123-1225 and #535 536.

bullet " Tennyson writes: "I am part of all that I have met. . ." When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan he plunged into our humanity. Jesus was a part of all that he met, experiencing a powerful solidarity with all humankind. Jesus was not aloof, holding himself immune to the ambiguities of life. John the Baptist objected to the request that Jesus be baptized by him. But the Lord held firm and the baptism was accomplished. Humanity has never been the same." - Respond to what the Lord is asking - Baptism leads to holiness, community and service, giving and hope by Bishop Robert Morneau

Related: Sacraments: Resources - Sacraments Clipart
Baptism of Jesus Coloring Pages - The First Mystery of Light: The Baptism of Jesus