Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
At that time, Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent him, and said, “How is it, you come to me? I should be baptized by you!” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be like that for now; so that we may fulfill the right order.” John agreed. As soon as he was baptized, Jesus came up out of the water. All at once, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God come down, like a dove, and rest upon him. At the same time, a voice from heaven was heard, “This is my Son, the Beloved; he is my Chosen One.”Reflection:
“This is my Beloved Son, my Chosen One.”
Read: Isaiah prophesied about the anointed one of God, the servant of the Lord whom God filled with His Spirit, who will bring justice to the nations and salvation to God’s people. This is affirmed in the second reading, where Peter declares that Jesus is God's anointed one who is the Lord of all. This is further clarified in the gospel account of Jesus’ baptism, where the Spirit of God came to rest on him and a voice calling him, “This is my Beloved Son, my Chosen One.”
Reflect: The baptism of the Lord ushers in the beginning of his ministry, where he fulfilled the mission for which he was anointed, and his identity was affirmed so that people would know who he was. Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our baptism where the same anointing is given to us to share in the mission of the Redeemer, and our identity is affirmed as beloved children of God. As Christ’s followers, we are called to continue the mission of the Lord to speak the truth, work for justice, and keep alive the flame of love and forgiveness.
Pray: Loving God, thank you for making me your beloved child in my baptism. Empower me to live out this call. Amen.
Act: As God’s children, we are all brothers and sisters. Share love and forgiveness with those who need them.
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