10th January 2016 - The Baptism of the Lord - "The Bible... Exposed."

In today's programme John, Lorraine and Shane are back after the Christmas break and remind our listeners that today, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, is the last day of the Christmas season so we hope that you haven't taken down your decorations just yet :) We also give a teaser of our new Patron saints for 2016, but more about this next week...

Due to circumstances beyond our control at the station last week, the planned interview with Eilish Carter and Sharon Clohessy was not broadcast as planned so we are playing this interview for those who listen to us on the radio. Sharon and Eilish met while studying for a diploma in Biblical Theology at the Dominican Biblical Institute in Limerick and their shared love for the Word of God has inspired them to lead a ten week course called ‘The Bible… Exposed’ in Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre, St. Michael’s Courtyard, Denmark St., Limerick.

You can listen to the podcast of this weeks full programme HERE.

"The Bible... Exposed"

Lorraine interviews Eilish Carter and Sharon Clohessy to find out more about their new course on the Bible. Sharon and Eilish met while studying for a diploma in Biblical Theology at the Dominican Biblical Institute in Limerick and their shared love for the Word of God has inspired them to lead a ten week course called ‘The Bible… Exposed’ in Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre, St. Michael’s Courtyard, Denmark St., Limerick. This course is designed to answer questions like: Can ancient writings like the Old Testament help us in everyday life? Are the Sacraments in the Bible? Is Jesus really present in the Mass? Who is the Holy Spirit? Can Mass be meaningful? Why do we have readings from the Old Testament, New Testament and Psalms?

This great new course will incorporate a mixture of PowerPoint, DVD, music, prayer and reflection. All you need is a Bible and an open heart.

The course will begin on Monday, January 18th 2016 for ten consecutive weeks and will meet from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Booking is essential as places are limited. Cost is 10 euro per night. Contact Sharon Clohessy (087-9027217) or Eilish Carter (087-8170420 after 6pm). Booking Deadline: Monday, January 11th 2016.

Sharon is also leading a six week course on ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ (Evangelii Gaudium) in Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre beginning at 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 20th 2016 for six consecutive Wednesdays. This offers a great opportunity to read, study and reflect on ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ and to look at how we can put it into action in our lives and faith communities. Cost is 10 euro per night and copies of ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ will be provided.

For further details, contact Sharon Clohessy (087-9027217). Booking Deadline: Monday, January 11th 2016 – Limited places.

You can listen to the interview with Lorraine excerpted from the main programme HERE.

Gospel - Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you’.

In today's Gospel we have the third epiphany or manifestation of the Lord of the Christmas season (the first being the nativity and the showing to the Shepherds and the second to the Magi). Jesus is revealed to be the Son of God by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the words of God the Father: 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you." The question remains, however, of why Jesus underwent baptism at all. We are baptised so that we may be forgiven of our sins and put into a profound new relationship with God. Jesus, as God, was perfectly and infinitely sinless, and was already the Son of God. The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry in the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus transforms the waters of baptism so that by being baptised we may become true children of God. Do you know when you were baptised? When did you become a child of God, a brother/sister of Jesus Christ, a temple of the Holy Spirit?

Shane also reminded us that we should still be 'wet from our baptism' in terms of the lives that we lead as Christians. We are not 'done and dusted' once we are baptised, but called to a life of metanoia - continually turning back to God and away from that which leads us from God.

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire

Sunday Reflections
English Dominicans
Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical Odds & Ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 1

Saints of the Week

January 11th - St. Brandan (St. Bran)
January 12th - St. Berndard of Corleone
January 13th - St. Hilary
January 14th - Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg
January 15th - St. Ita (Patroness of the Diocese of Limerick)
January 16th - St. Fursa (St. Fursey)

Notices

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the Feast of St. Ita - There will be 24 hours adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Ashford Church (in the parish of Killeedy - named after St. Ita) in preparation for the Feast of St. Ita from 10.30am on Thursday, January 14th to 10.00am on Friday, January 15th. If you are interested in covering an hour, please put your name on the rota at the back of the Church.