Born without sin our Lord by way of example for us, embraced a sinner’s baptism. Fully human He took on the sins of the world as He was plunged below the waters. He emerged to the delight of His Father who declared His love and favour for His Son. He willed that we be obedient unto Him.
By our very own baptism we emerge as holy children of God our Father so loved by Him. And if we remain rooted and obedient unto our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ then we become holy unto Him.
Thank You Father for embracing us as Your sons and daughters through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
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First reading
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 ·
Here is my servant, in whom my soul delights
Thus says the Lord:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have endowed him with my spirit
that he may bring true justice to the nations.
He does not cry out or shout aloud,
or make his voice heard in the streets.
He does not break the crushed reed,
nor quench the wavering flame.
Faithfully he brings true justice;
he will neither waver, nor be crushed
until true justice is established on earth,
for the islands are awaiting his law.
I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to free captives from prison,
and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.
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Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17
‘This is my Son, the Beloved’
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him. ‘It is I who need baptism from you’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.’ At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’
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