Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

The Gospel for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, speaks to us of the Father’s infinite love of His Beloved Son. “This is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matt 3:17. 

It’s a second epiphany. Jesus heard the truth that his words, actions and thoughts, his whole life, was located in a deep inner place of love. These words from God are also spoken to each of us. Once we accept the truth that we too are God’s beloved, then we are set free to imitate Jesus. We pray that we can hear these words of unconditional love and take and hold them in our hearts. Let us pray for the grace to grow in maturity of faith: that the Holy Spirit will light the way for us to grow in ways that invite us to fully respond to God.

Readings

Is 42:1-4, 6-7  Here is my servant, my chosen one in whom I am well pleased.

Ps 28: 1-4, 9-10 R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Alleluia alleluia! The heavens were opened and the Fathers voice was heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him. Alleluia!

Mt 3: 13-17 When Jesus was baptised, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God came upon him.

Second Isaiah’s four 'Songs of the Servant' have an important place in Christian theology and worship. The First Reading today proclaims a spirit of hope.

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights;

I have put my spirit upon him;

He will bring forth justice to the nations.

He will not cry or lift up his voice,

Or make it heard in the street;

A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;

he will faithfully bring forth justice.

He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth;

and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,

I have taken you by the hand and kept you;

I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,

to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

from the prison those who sit in darkness.