Scriptures and Reflection Questions for Jan. 8

Scriptures and Reflection Questions
1st Sun. after the Epiphany, Year B
The Baptism of Our Lord
January 8, 2011
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Collect

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him
 your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are
baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess
him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God,
in glory everlasting. Amen.
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Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary
Year B
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How to use this page:

Print this and read a different passage each day and think about it.  Some questions
are offered to help stimulate your reflection.  You'll find your experience of worship
on Sunday will be intensified.

For a method to read and pray with the scriptures you might try to use the ancient
practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading).  We've written some instructions on
how to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link:
www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html

We use the Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary.
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The Lessons

Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
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Genesis 1:1-5

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless
void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over
 the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.
And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening
and there was morning, the first day.

__________

In what ways do you see divine order in creation?
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Psalm 29

Ascribe to God, you heavenly beings, *
     ascribe to God glory and strength.

Ascribe due honor to God's holy Name; *
     worship the Most High in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of God is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders; *
     God is upon the mighty waters.

The voice of God is a powerful voice; *
     the voice of God is a voice of splendor.

The voice of God breaks the cedar trees; *
     God breaks the cedars of Lebanon;

God makes Lebanon skip like a calf *
     and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.

The voice of God splits the flames of fire; the voice of God shakes the wilderness;
*
     God shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of God makes the oak trees writhe *
     and strips the forests bare.

And in the temple of the Holy One, *
     all are crying, "Glory!"

God sits enthroned above the flood, *
     enthroned for evermore.

God shall give strength to the people; *
     God shall give the people the blessing of peace.

                                                                             The Saint Helena Psalter

__________

Recall a time when you experienced the presence of God in nature.  ...in worship.
What happened?
______________________________________


Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came
to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the
 Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They replied, "No, we have not even heard
that there is a Holy Spirit." Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?"
They answered, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism
 of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and
 they spoke in tongues and prophesied -- altogether there were about twelve of them.

___________

What does it mean to you to be baptized into the name of Jesus and to receive the
Holy Spirit?
_______________________________________


Mark 1:4-11

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all
the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river
Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather
belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one
who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and
untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize
you with the Holy Spirit."

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the
Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart
and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You
 are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

____________

What does it mean to be Beloved of God and to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

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go to  www.stpaulsfay.org/id137.html
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On most weekdays I send a Morning Reflection to this list, offering a thought
about the readings from the Daily Office.

Lowell

The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.
Our Rule of Life:
  We aspire to...
     worship weekly
     pray daily
     learn constantly
     serve joyfully
     live generously.

Check our website: www.stpaulsfay.org