The Sunday Preface

Here is (most) of the Preface from Sunday, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  Reflection follows:

 

In the waters of the Jordan,

You revealed with signs and wonders a new Baptism,

so that through the voice that came down from heaven,

we might come to believe in Your Word dwelling among us,

and by the Spirit's descending in the likeness of a dove,

we might know that Christ Your Servant

has been anointed with the oil of gladnes

and sent to bring the good news to the poor.

 

Just like the Epiphany preface, I'm amazed at how much is packed into this.  The major themes:

 

1) Baptism

2) Revelation

3) the Trinity

4) the Incarnation (since this feast liturgically closes the Christmas season)

5) the promise of the Messiah in the Old Testament

6) Christian mission

 

That's a lot to chew on... a few notes. 

 

When God chose to reveal Himself to mankind, He did so in a specific way.  He used words (not to mention the Word) and deeds.  I think it's analagous to the sacraments having matter and form.  God didn't speak to men and follow up with an "or else."  God didn't just promise His fidelity to the Israelites in Egypt (words)--He raised up Moses and led the Chosen People to freedom (deeds).  When Jesus taught and preached (words), He also performed miracles (deeds).  In this preface, we first hear of deeds ("signs and wonders") and then words ("the voice that came down from heaven").  It is the pattern of revelation. 

 

All three Persons of the Trinity make an appearance in this preface, which is very appropriate.  The entire Trinity was present at the Baptism of the Lord.  The Trinity also is a key to Baptism; on it hinges the validity of a baptism.  In Matt 28:19-20, Jesus commands the disciples to preach the Gospel to the world, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Interestingly, Mormon baptism is considered invalid by the Catholic Chruch because of their deficient trinitarian theology.  To close the preface, we are pointed to the image of Jesus being sent... it is mentioned as His mission, but it's one that we all share in.  It's an essential part of Christian baptism. 

 

The closing three lines point to Jesus as the Messiah.  In this, I see the yearnings of the Hebrews.  Living through the Temple getting destroyed... the devastating Babylonian exile... hearing the promises of Isaiah, Jeremiah... praying the Psalms and having irresistable thoughts of the glories of King David's court... remembering the Exodus at Passover, longing for a new Moses...

 

Israel hoped and prayed for centuries; now Christians pray that the whole world "might know that Christ Your Servant has been anointed with the oil of gladness and sent to bring the good news to the poor."  (citing Luke 4:18-19, which references Isaiah 61:1-2)