The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

The mystery of C h r i s t s baptism in the Jordan by St John, the Precursor, proposes the contemplation of an already adult Jesus. This mystery is infinitely linked to the Solemnities of the Lords birth and the Epiphany that we have just celebrated, as in some ways it takes up and represents their significance to us. At Christmas we have contemplated the human birth of the Word incarnate by the Virgin Mary. In the 4th century, the Fathers of the Church deepened the understanding of the faith with regard to the Christmas mystery in the light of Jesus Humanity. They spoke of the Incarnation of the Word already working like the Christification of that humanity that he had assumed from His mother. Or put in simpler terms: Jesus is the Christ from the first instant of conception in Marys spotless womb because He Himself, with His Divine Power, consecrated, anointed and Christified that human nature with which He became incarnate. In the mystery of the Epiphany, we then meditated on Christs manifestation to all nations that was represented by the Magi, the wise men from the East, who came to adore the Child. Now, in the mystery of Christs Baptism in the Jordan River, we again encounter and represent the truth of the Lords incarnation and His manifestation as the Christ. Jesus Baptism is in fact His definitive manifestation as the Messiah or Christ to Israel, and as the Son of the Father to the entire world. Here we find the dimension of the Epiphany which was His manifestation to all nations. The Fathers voice from heaven shows that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son and the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows the Trinitarian nature of the Christian God. The true and unique God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, shows Himself in Christ, through Him, with Him and in Him. The Baptism in the Jordan returns to the great Christmas theme of Christification, Jesus of Nazareths spiritual anointing, His presentation as the Anointed One per excellence, the Messiah or the One sent by the Father for the salvation of mankind. The Spirit that descended on Jesus shows and seals in an incontrovertible way the Christification of Jesus humanity that the Word had already fulfilled from the first moment of His miraculous conception by Mary. Jesus, from the very beginning, was always the Lords Christ, He was always God. Yet, His one, true humanity, that which is perfect in every way, as the Gospel records, constantly grew in natural and supernatural perfection. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and with men (Lk2:52). In Israel at 30 years of age, one reached full maturity and therefore could become a master. Jesus came of age and the Spirit, descending and remaining on Him, definitively consecrated His whole being as the Christ. The same Spirit, that descended on the water of the River Jordan wafted over the waters during the first creation. (Gen 1:2) Therefore, the Baptism in the Jordan presents yet another truth: that Jesus has started a new creation. He is the second man (1 Cor 15:47) or the last Adam (1 Cor 15:45), that comes to repair the first Adams guilt. He does this as the Lamb of God that takes away our sins. Looking at the events in light of the Cross and Resurrection, the Christian people realized what happened: Jesus loaded the burden of all mankinds guilt upon His shoulders; he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan. He inaugurated his public activity by stepping into the place of sinners. (J Ratzinger, Jesus of Nazareth, Bloomsbury 2007, p18) Excerpted from the Congregation for the Clergy

MASS SCHEDULE, INTENTIONS, SCRIPTURE READINGS AND FEAST DAYS

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Holy Day of OBG Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Jan. 16 Jan. 17 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Sat. Jan. 19 Sun. Jan. 20 4:30 p.m 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. No Mass Sacred Heart, Chariton Victims of Abortion Betty Hurley Patricia Blaine Hebrews 1:1-6 Mark 1:14-20 Hebrews 2:5-12 Mark 1:21-28 Hebrews 2:14-18 Mark 1:29-39 Hebrews 3:7-14 Mark 1:40-45 Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Mark 2:1-12 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 2:13-17 Isaiah 62:1-5 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 John 2:1-11 Feast of Our Lord (Optional Memorial of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr and St. Sebastian, Martyr) Memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot

8:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Chariton 8:30 a.m. St. Brendan, Leon Tribunal No Morning Mass

Sacred Heart, Chariton Marie Terrell Saint Francis, Corydon All Parishioners

8:00 a.m. Saint Brendan, Leon R.J. Mitchell III 10:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Chariton Lorene Stout

SACRED HEART CHARITON

Tithes- $2,328 Religious Education is Wednesday, January 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. Bible Study Epic is Wed., Jan. 16 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. The Great Adventure is Wed., Jan. 16 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Thurs., Jan. 17 from 9-11:00 a.m. Session 12 questions will be discussed. Knights of Columbus will host a breakfast for the seminarians on Sunday, January 13 after the 10:30 a.m. Christmas decorations will be taken down after the breakfast for seminarians. All help is appreciated. K n i g h t s o f C o l u m b u s Yo u t h F re e T h ro w Championship will be held Sunday, January, 13th in the Chariton High School gymnasium. Registration and practice is at 1:00 p.m. with competition beginning at 1:30 p.m. This is open to all boys and girls ages 10 to 14. Book Club for the month of January is at the home of Emery and Raymonda Pisut on Sunday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. The book that will be discussed is A Father Who Keeps His Promises by Scott Hahn. All are welcome. The book for February is The Hidden Power of Kindness by Lawrence G. Lovasik. The Women of Sacred Heart will meet Thursday January 17 at 6:30 p.m. All women of the parish are invited to attend.

Wanted by WOSH- Names/addresses/information about men and women from our parish serving in the armed forces. Place in collection basket or call Jaynane Hardie @ 641-774-6869 Celebrate is February 3. The cost is $20.00. The Women of Sacred Heart will pay half of this fee for each child. Collection of food for the Ministry Center is the 3rd Sunday of the month. The Ministry Center thanks you for the items we have donated. There is ALWAYS a need for paper products- toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers as the Center can only purchase food items.
First Reconciliation for Second Graders will be Wednesday, February 20. Third- High School will follow. Adults are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation following Religious Education at 7:30 p.m.

SAINT FRANCIS CORYDON

Tithes- $268

SAINT BRENDAN LEON

Tithes- $1044.00

Religious Education for Kindergarten-8th grade is Wednesday, January 16 from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. The Knights of Columbus free throw contest for Decatur and Ringgold County will be held at Central Decatur High School Sunday January 13th. Registration will begin at 12:00 PM with the contest beginning at 1:00 PM. Girls and boys ages 10-14 on January 1st are eligible.