As baby John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and Mary all respond to Jesus, their example inspires us to acknowledge the Lord’s presence in our lives whenever two or more gather in his name.
Jesus speaks about the sources of testimony about himself: John the Baptist, the works that Christ performs, his heavenly Father, and the Scriptures themselves. May this testimony foster our faith to follow the Lord with all our heart!
John the Baptist proclaims that Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit. As we follow the Lord today, may we call upon the Spirit to draw us into a deeper, fruitful union with the Lord and one another.
Andrew encountered Jesus and afterward brought his brother Simon to meet the Lord. May we, too, come and see the Lord for ourselves in our lives today.
The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth will conceive a son who will go forth with the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare a people for the Lord.
The birth of John the Baptist reveals a pattern in his relationship to Jesus. John comes first to prepare the way for the greater glory that shines upon Christ. May John’s example inspire us to continue to blaze a trail for the proclamation of the Good News in our lives today.
Let’s take a look at some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the Baptism of the Lord. Please note that there are options for the 1st Reading, Psalm and 2nd Reading!
1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
Isaiah speaks of God’s chosen one in whom he is well pleased.
This servant shall perform mighty deeds that bring hope and life to the people.
1st Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11
The people hear of the one who will prepare the way of the Lord.
The herald brings good news of comfort and tenderness which casts out fear.
Psalm 29:1-4,9-10
“The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
Glory and praise is given to God who reigns with might over heaven and earth.
Psalm 104:1-4,24-25,27-30
“O bless the Lord, my soul”
God’s majesty is praised for the goodness of all creation.
2nd Reading – Acts 10:34-38
While in the house of Cornelius (a non-Jew) Peter teaches about Jesus.
Peter references the baptism of John and the power of Jesus to do good deeds.
2nd Reading – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
The grace of God trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.
We have been saved through the “bath of rebirth” and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Gospel – Luke 3:15-16,21-22
John testifies that one mightier than he is coming who will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and fire.
As Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him in the form of a dove and the Father’s voice is heard from heaven.
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