The readings meet you in the ordinary place where faith is practiced. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
"Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout, nor raise his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street. He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice. He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands wait for his law." "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness. I will hold your hand. I will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations, to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
Ascribe to the LORD, you sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Worship the LORD in holy array. The LORD's voice is on the waters. The God of glory thunders, even the LORD on many waters. The LORD's voice is powerful. The LORD's voice is full of majesty. The LORD's voice makes the deer calve, and strips the forests bare. In his temple everything says, "Glory!" The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood. Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.
Second Reading
Acts 10:34-38
Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all- you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Gospel
Mark 1:7-11
He preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit." In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice came out of the sky, "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
A question for your journal
Where might God be asking for one honest, unhurried response?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
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