January 11, 2026: The Baptism of the Lord

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Reflection

As I reflected on today’s Gospel, I imagined the first part of this reading to be a conversation in very hushed tones between John and Jesus somewhere on the riverbank. They whisper ever so softly so that Jesus can clarify what needs to occur, rather than just get on with it and do it. The discussion is clearly for the benefit of John. I’ll let you decide who allowed whom!

“Whispering” has no place in the second part of the reading. A voice, clearly loud enough to be heard by the crowd that had gathered, proclaims, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

Action

Let yourself enter the scene as one in the crowds following John. Do you wonder, “Who is with John” And what are they talking about?” Are you startled when the voice pierces the clouds saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Sit with the whole scene in quiet.

And finally, can you believe that Jesus calls you “his beloved,” each and every day?