First Reading (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7)
Reading from the Book of the prophet Isaiah:
Thus says the Lord: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I have put my Spirit upon him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise his voice, nor make his voice heard in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out; but he will bring justice forth to victory. He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. I, the Lord, have called you for the cause of justice; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as a covenant of the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and those who live in darkness from the prison.”
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Second Reading (Acts 10:34-38)
Reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
In those days, Peter took the floor and said: Indeed, I am understanding that God does not show favoritism among people. On the contrary, He accepts those who fear Him and practice righteousness, regardless of the nation to which they belong. God sent His word to the Israelites, announcing the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after the baptism preached by John: how Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil because God was with him.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Reading (Mark 1:7-11)
— PROCLAMATION of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord!
At that time, John the Baptist preached, saying: After me will come someone stronger than I. I am not even worthy to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. And immediately, as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. And from heaven came a voice: You are my beloved Son; in you, I am well pleased.
— The Gospel of the Lord.
— Praise to you, Lord.
Refletindo a Palavra de Deus
My brothers and sisters in Christ, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Today, I want to begin our reflection with a question: how many times have we felt lost and disoriented amid life’s adversities? How often have we found ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take? How many times have we felt engulfed in darkness, unable to see a way out?
These experiences are common to us all. At some point, we have all faced moments of uncertainty, anguish, and despair. But I have a message of hope for you today. A message that comes directly from the Holy Scriptures, showing us the way to light and salvation.
In today’s First Reading, from the prophet Isaiah, we find a description of the Servant of the Lord, a chosen one of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, destined to bring justice to the nations. This Servant is portrayed as a light for the nations, a beacon of hope shining in the darkness. He does not shout or raise his voice, but brings comfort to troubled hearts and those on the verge of giving up.
These prophetic words resonate in our hearts today. The Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ, came into the world to bring the light of love and salvation. He came as the divine answer to our deepest needs. He came to show us the way of truth and life.
In the Second Reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, we are reminded that God does not show partiality but welcomes all who fear Him and practice justice. Peter, speaking to Cornelius and his family, acknowledged that God is not limited to a specific people but reveals Himself to all. He witnessed how Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by the Holy Spirit and went about doing good, healing those oppressed by the devil.
This message is of vital importance to us today. God’s love and salvation are available to all, regardless of our origin, race, or social status. He shows no partiality but welcomes and loves us as we are. Jesus came to bring healing and liberation to all who seek Him sincerely.
And now, in the Gospel according to Mark, we are transported to the shores of the Jordan River, where John the Baptist proclaims the arrival of the Messiah. He speaks of the one who is greater than him, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. And then, Jesus comes to be baptized by John. Something extraordinary happens: the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaims, “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”
This scene is a moment of divine revelation. Jesus, the beloved Son of God, is revealed to the world as the long-awaited Messiah. He is anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. This voice from heaven invites us to recognize in Jesus the light of the world, our hope, and our Savior.
My brothers and sisters, what can we learn from these biblical passages? How can we apply these teachings in our daily lives?
Firstly, we need to recognize that Jesus is the light shining in the darkness of the world. He is the answer to our questions, the way through our uncertainties, and the hope for our despair. When we feel lost, disoriented, or plunged into darkness, let us look to Jesus and follow His teachings. He is the light that guides us and shows us the way.
Secondly, just as Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit, we too have been baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit in our Baptism. We are beloved sons and daughters of God, called to live in communion with Him and to share His love with the world. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us to live a life of faith, love, and service. We are called to be a light in the midst of darkness, to bring hope and healing to those around us.
Thirdly, just as Jesus went about doing good, we are also called to imitate His example. In our daily actions, we must seek to practice justice, reach out to the needy, console the afflicted, and heal wounded hearts. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every act of love is an expression of God’s love within us.
For these spiritual truths to become tangible and applicable in our lives, personal commitment and an active response are necessary. It is not enough to merely hear the Scriptures and acknowledge their importance. We must engage in deep and personal reflection on how these teachings apply to our everyday lives.
So, I challenge you today to take a pause and reflect: how can I be a light in the midst of darkness? Where can I bring hope and healing? In what areas of my life do I need to practice justice and love more concretely?
And do not worry if you don’t have immediate answers. These questions are invitations to an ongoing process of transformation and spiritual growth. As we sincerely seek God’s guidance and open ourselves to His Spirit, He will guide and empower us to live according to His will.
I also encourage you to seek the Christian community as a place of support, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Together, as members of the body of Christ, we can strengthen each other, share our experiences, and learn from one another. Christian life is not a solitary journey but a walk in communion with one another.
My beloved, may these words not be just another homily that you hear and forget. May they penetrate your hearts and transform your lives. May you be inspired and motivated to live according to the teachings of the Scriptures, to be a light in the midst of darkness, and to share the love and hope we have received from God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
