(Thursdays)
Baptism in the Jordon
1. The Baptism in the Jordan
(Mt. 3:13-17; Mk. 1:9-11; Lk. 3:21-22)
Jesus approaches John the Baptist to be baptized. John would prefer to be baptized by Jesus, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus prevails over him and says, “Let it be so for now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Upon coming up from the waters, the Spirit of God appears descending on Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven is heard, “This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
The Wedding Feast at Cana
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
(Jn. 2:1-11)
Mary is invited to a wedding at Cana and Jesus is also invited to the wedding. Mary intercedes with her Son when the wine runs out and tells the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Jesus instructs the servants to fill six large jars with water. The servants take the water to the steward, who tastes the water which had become wine. The steward remarks, “you have kept the best wine until now.”
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
(cf. Mk 1:15)
Jesus begins his public ministry and proclaims that the “Kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel.” This proclamation, with its call to conversion, is repeated in Christ’s preaching as He travels throughout Galilee and Judea.
The Transfiguration
4. The Transfiguration
(Mt. 17:1-9; Mk. 9:2-10; Lk. 9:28-36)
Jesus takes His apostles, Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them and his clothing becomes brilliantly white. Moses and Elijah appear conversing with Him. A voice is then heard from the heavens, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” After this, the apostles see Jesus standing alone.
The Institution of the Eucharist
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
(Mt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:15-20; Jn. 13:1-20)
The night before Jesus is crucified, He shares His last supper with His apostles. Taking the bread, He says, “This is My Body,” and taking the cup, He says, “This is My Blood.” He instructs His Apostles, “Do this in commemoration of me,” and thus institutes the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist.