The Baptism of the Lord — Feast
First Reading
Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7
Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind and to free captives from prison.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 29:1–2, 3-4, 9-10
The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength; the voice of the Lord resounds over the waters and is full of splendour and power.
Second Reading
Acts 10:34–38
Peter proclaims that God shows no partiality, but accepts those who fear him and do what is right. The message of peace through Jesus Christ spread as he went about doing good, healing all oppressed by the devil.
Gospel
Matthew 3:13–17
Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. As he emerged from the water, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon him, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Reflection
Today’s feast invites us to the heart of our Christian identity: baptism. In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus does not come for cleansing, but to affirm our shared humanity and to inaugurate a life consecrated to peace and compassion. The Spirit resting upon him and the heavenly voice reveal that God delights in his beloved Son — and in all who are baptised into his life.
This feast reminds us that our true identity is rooted not in achievement or approval from others, but in God’s love. When we recognise ourselves as beloved, our lives begin to reflect that love outward — in mercy, justice, and hope. Embracing this identity helps us walk in peace and courage each day, participating in the mission Jesus began at his baptism.
A moment of pause
Where in your life today might you need to recognise anew that you are God’s beloved?
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