Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, January 11, 2026
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17
Today we celebrate the Lord's baptism by John in the Jordan. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings the Christmas season to its fulfillment and opens the door to Jesus’ public mission. Jesus' baptism is another epiphany (manifestation), declaring that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the promised Messiah who is God's chosen Servant in Whom the Divine Soul would delight. God speaks in glowing terms of this servant, even announcing that the Servant is filled with God’s Spirit. This servant undertakes the mission in a manner that distinguishes him from prophets who went about proclaiming the word of God in the streets and public places. The servant does not cry out or shout and he operates more by example than by words. He proceeds with kindness and mercy, nurturing those who retain the potential for new life. His ways are gentle and his aim is to transform the nations of the world, reaching even distant coastlands. God assures the servant the ultimate victory. Filled with the Spirit of God, the servant will bring forth justice to all the nations, not just God's chosen people, meaning he will restore the nations of the world to a right relationship with God.
In today’s Gospel, we heard the account of Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan. It was a different Baptism from that which we all of us received as we became the members of the Catholic Church.
Basically, the whole mystery of Christ in the world can be summed up in this term: "baptism", which in Greek means "immersion". The Son of God, who from eternity shares the fullness of life with the Father and the Holy Spirit, was "immersed" in our reality as sinners to make us share in his own life: he was incarnate, he was born like us, he grew up like us and, on reaching adulthood, manifested his mission which began precisely with the "baptism of conversion" administered by John the Baptist.
The first public act of Jesus, as given by the Evangelist, was to go down into the Jordan, mingling among repentant sinners, in order to receive this baptism. John was naturally reluctant to baptize him, and indicates that it ought to be the other way around. But because this was the Father's will, Jesus insisted that he be baptized. Once he was baptized, Jesus became aware of his mission, the call of the Messiah. It was manifested to him by the spirit.
A voice from the heavens confirmed the scene. There are only three recorded times in the New Testament when the voice of the Heavenly Father has been heard by the world. This was the first time; then at Transfiguration and finally at the end of his Ministry when Jesus asks his father to glorify God’s name.
The first part of today’s message is this is my beloved Son that is given in the second Psalm and also in today’s first reading, which is the description of the Messiah. The second part of the message tells us that God is pleased with Jesus. The Heavenly Father has placed on his beloved servant the Spirit which is necessary for the redemptive work. The Father is the one who has chosen him and has sent him on the mission and the obligation of every individual is to listen to him and follow his dictates.
For us today, this feast invites deep reflection on our own baptism. Before we achieved anything, before we proved ourselves worthy, God called us beloved. Our identity comes before our activity. In a world obsessed with performance, success, and recognition, baptism reminds us that our deepest dignity comes from God’s unconditional love.
At the same time, baptism carries responsibility. Like Jesus, we are anointed and sent. Sent to bring justice with gentleness. Sent to heal rather than wound. Sent to speak hope where voices are silenced. Our faith is not meant to remain at the riverbank. It must flow into daily life, into classrooms, offices, families, and communities.
As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we are invited to hear the Father’s voice again, spoken not only to Jesus but to each of us: You are my beloved. Live as my child. Walk in the Spirit. Continue the mission.
May this feast renew our baptismal grace and awaken in us the courage to live as sons and daughters who know they are loved and who dare to love in return.
Happy Sunday
Very meaningful reflection fr
ReplyDelete