{"id":232,"date":"2010-01-18T10:26:38","date_gmt":"2010-01-18T10:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/wordpress\/?p=232"},"modified":"2010-01-18T10:26:38","modified_gmt":"2010-01-18T10:26:38","slug":"baptism-of-christ","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/?p=232","title":{"rendered":"Baptism of Christ"},"content":{"rendered":"

BAPTISM, PRAYER, REVELATION<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong>SERMON PREACHED BY FR. TONY NOBLE ON SUNDAY JANUARY 10th 2010<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Luke 3: 21 “When Jesus also had been baptised and was praying the heaven was opened “.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

There is a wonderful progression in this very short text: baptism, prayer, and revelation.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Not that Jesus did not know who he was<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>B<\/span>ut in his perfect humanity he needed confirmation<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>W<\/span>e all do<\/span> –<\/span> need confirmation.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Confirmation of our identity, confirmation of our vocations<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>H<\/span>is was to be our Saviour.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus knew that he was the Son of God, for before this baptism he’d undergone those forty days of testing in the wilderness<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>N<\/span>ow he comes to the Jordan to be baptized<\/span>,<\/span> to begin this ministry<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>B<\/span>ut the details of his ministry and vocation were still unknown<\/span> –<\/span> as ours are often unknown to us.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

From the wilderness he comes, this beloved Son of God<\/span>,<\/span> to accept baptism from John Baptist<\/span> –<\/span> the one who was not even worthy enough to untie Jesus’ sandals.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Jesus subjects himself to baptism as a servant to sinners<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd so he begins his ministry as he would later define it: “I am among you as one who serves”<\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We sometimes treat him as our servant<\/span> –<\/span> happy to take the benefits he won for us without thinking about the cost.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>This verse of Luke 3: 21 reminds us of what our pilgrimage should be like<\/span>:<\/span> our initiation into Christ, which leads to making our lives a prayer, and to have heaven open<\/span>ed<\/span> for us.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

That is what our baptism should have done for us<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>F<\/span>or when we receive<\/span>d<\/span> the water of baptism an identity was given to us<\/span> –<\/span> as it was to Jesus on this day<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>M<\/span>ade us marked as children of God<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>M<\/span>arked with that sign of the Son of God<\/span>,<\/span> our brother<\/span> –<\/span> the cross<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd like Christ our life <\/span>wa<\/span>s to be a life of prayer.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Easy to say<\/span>!<\/span> My prayer life<\/span>,<\/span> like yours<\/span>, <\/span>is quite simple and taken as best I can<\/span> –<\/span> but also very organized<\/span>!<\/span> As a priest I delight in saying the <\/span>Divine<\/span> <\/span>O<\/span>ffice, each morning begins with me saying <\/span>the Venite: <\/span>“<\/span><\/em>O c<\/span><\/em>ome<\/span><\/em>,<\/span><\/em> let us sing unto the Lord”<\/span><\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>You don’t have the obligations of the clergy, but if you do say morning and evening prayer you know how wonderful that is, even though it can be demanding.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

My ordinary prayers are not nearly so wonderful<\/span>.<\/span> I’m no different to you<\/span>.<\/span> Sometimes I pray “Lord just be with me”<\/em> or “Lord just help me this day”<\/em><\/span>. T<\/span>here was a time in my ministry when I prayed to the Lord<\/span>:<\/span> “Just get me through this day”<\/em><\/span>.<\/span><\/em> I’m sure you’ve done that on occasions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I tr<\/span>y<\/span> to be organized so that I can be a good praying priest<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>W<\/span>hen I arrive in the office every morning, I come into the church as the first thing and sit in front of Mary<\/span>,<\/span> looking at the tabernacle, seeing Jesus present<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd my prayer is simple<\/span>.<\/span> I pray <\/span>t<\/span>hat I will be supported by the prayers of Mary, and that she will help me to be a good priest, and a good Christian<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd that I will serve Christ my Saviour<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>F<\/span>or I need to be both of those things<\/span> –<\/span> both a good priest and a good Christian<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd I certainly need all the help I can get.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Baptism bo<\/span>u<\/span>nd me not only to Christ, but to his people<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>S<\/span>o I look to the saints who have run the race to encourage and support me<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>T<\/span>he saints in heaven<\/span>,<\/span> of course<\/span> –<\/span> but also you<\/span>,<\/span> my brothers and sisters who are called also to be saints.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/span>hen I think about it<\/span>,<\/span> there are women in the parish where I grew up who still pray for me.<\/span>, <\/span>A<\/span>nd people in <\/span>my <\/span>previous parishes<\/span>,<\/span> where I am no longer their priest but who still pray for me<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>s I hope you do too<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

And I pray for you not just because that’s my job<\/span>,<\/span> but it’s my joy.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>And as a priest my day is punctuated by prayer for you all <\/span>– <\/span>especially for those of you who are in need<\/span>.<\/span> I have my list which is always prayed at midday<\/span>,<\/span> and kept in my heart.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

An<\/span> <\/span>interview or a visit brings out particular prayer for my people, <\/span>also. A<\/span>nd there is the Mass<\/span>,<\/span> <\/span>t<\/span>he daily Mass<\/span> –<\/span> that wonderful meeting of heaven and earth where everything can be poured out and offered up, often without words<\/span>,<\/span> to Jesus<\/span> –<\/span> who knows our needs before we even ask.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

All of us are called to this life of prayer by our baptism, priest or people<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>T<\/span>o offer up all the pain and problems, all the anxieties and the mistakes<\/span>,<\/span> of those whose lives touch ours<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd those whom we’re particularly bond to in love<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>W<\/span>e are called to be intercessors<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>T<\/span>o beat the gates of heaven with our hearts<\/span> –<\/span> just like Jesus.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But what of the voice of God that followed Jesus’ prayer, that confirm<\/span>ed<\/span> that h<\/span>e<\/span> was the beloved Son<\/span>?<\/span> I’ve been to the mountain top<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>N<\/span>ot the mountain of hope that Martin Luther King talked about<\/span> –<\/span> but that Mount of Transfiguration that happens at every Eucharist<\/span>,<\/span> when <\/span>O<\/span>ur Lord is transfigured before our very eyes in the form of bread.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes I can hardly believe that this beloved Son comes to me, and comes to you<\/span>,<\/span> in this wonderful sacrament<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>B<\/span>ut he always has<\/span>,<\/span> and he still does<\/span> –<\/span> though of course we often don’t realise it. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

And this church where we celebrate the Eucharist<\/span>,<\/span> where Christ deigns to be our guest, is also our gate of heaven, or should be<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>I<\/span>ts familiarity is helpful<\/span> and<\/span> the prayers and worship we share encourage and support us.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

And the thought of those faithful people who have gone before us who prayed in this church<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>S<\/span>ome we have worshipped with and laughed with<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>M<\/span>ostly they are known to God alone<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>B<\/span>ut here they prayed and were always heard<\/span> –<\/span> as we always are.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/span>hen Jesus prayed the heavens opened<\/span>,<\/span> and the Father’s voice was heard: “This is my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased”<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Later this beloved Son would teach us an immortal prayer which begins with those reassuring words: “Our Father who art in heaven”<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>His Father and ours<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>A<\/span>nd our Father does hear us<\/span>,<\/span> and is utterly faithful.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our prayers gird our pilgrimage which leads from this life to the gate of heaven<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>T<\/span>hat pilgrimage began at our baptism<\/span>,<\/span> which we reflect upon today<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>L<\/span>ike Jesus<\/span>,<\/span> we will see heaven open one day and hear those reassuring words: “Thou art my Beloved Son, thou art my beloved daughter; with thee I am well pleased”<\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BAPTISM, PRAYER, REVELATION \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SERMON PREACHED BY FR. TONY NOBLE ON SUNDAY JANUARY 10th 2010 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Luke 3: 21 “When Jesus also had been baptised and was praying the heaven was opened “. \u00a0 There is a wonderful progression in this very short text: baptism, prayer, and revelation.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Not […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-232","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-recent-sermons"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=232"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/frtonynoble.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}