The Baptism of the Lord
The Baptism of the Lord signifies the culmination of St. John the Baptist’s mission, and was ordained by the Father as the occasion for Christ to me manifested to the world as the Son of God.
See also:
Mass Readings
First Reading – Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10:34-38
Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 (R. 11b)
R. The Lord will bless His people with peace.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
adore the LORD in holy attire. R.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic. R.
The God of glory thunders,
and in His temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever. R.
Gospel – Mt 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.”
Featured Saints
St. Hyginus, Pope (†142). Eighth successor of St. Peter, he fought against the gnostic heresy and for the preservation of the authentic teaching of the Gospel.
St. Thomas of Cori, priest (†1729). Italian Franciscan priest, preacher and spiritual director. He carried out his apostolate in Subiaco and neighbouring dioceses.
St. Theodosius, monk (†529). After a long time spent in seclusion, he welcomed many disciples and established community life in the monasteries he built in Asia Minor.
Blessed Bernard Scammacca, priest (†1487). Born into a wealthy family in Catania, Italy, he was a dissolute youth, but was converted when wounded in a duel. He became a Dominican and led a penitential life.
Blessed Francis Rogaczewski, priest and martyr (†1940). Imprisoned, tortured and shot to death in Gdańsk, Poland for being Christian.
Blessed Anna Maria Janer Anglarill, virgin (†1885). Foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Urgell. She died in Talarn, Spain.
Blessed William Carter, martyr (†1584). He was imprisoned, tortured, hanged, drawn and quartered in London, during the reign of Elizabeth I, for having printed a treatise on schism in his print shop.
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