Episode 4 – Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran, hosted by Bruce McGregor.   Ep 4 – John Chapter 1. The Baptism of Jesus.  The name changing of Simon to Cephas.  The primacy of Peter.  The encounter with Nathaniel and the fig tree.  The branch imagery.  The calling of us all.

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Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your every day life.

Episode 4 – Beginning with John Chap 1 v32 Sharon leads us on a reflection of the Baptism of Jesus. The followers of Jesus and renaming of Simon to Cephas (which means “rock”).  The significance of name changing.  The scriptural basis for the primacy of Peter. The encounter with Nathaniel and the importance of the fig tree.  The branch imagery.  The calling of us all.

“Seeking Truth” is an in depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to: www.seekingtruth.net

The Baptism of the Lord – from the Gospel of Matthew the full reading and reflection

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased

an excerpt from today’s reflection by Don Schwager:

John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). Why did Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to John’s baptism? In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of the “baptism” of his bloody death upon the cross. Jesus’ baptism is the acceptance and the beginning of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners. Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father’s will. Out of love he consented to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. Do you know the joy of trust and submission to God?

The Father proclaimed his entire delight in his Son and spoke audibly for all to hear. The Holy Spirit, too, was present as he anointed Jesus for his ministry which began that day as he rose from the waters of the Jordan river. Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all who come to believe in him. At his baptism the heavens were opened and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, signifying the beginning of a new creation.

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with the joy of the gospel. May I find joy in seeking to please you just as you found joy in seeking to please your Father”.

for the full reflection visit : Daily Reading and Meditation