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 be manifested to the world as the Son of God.
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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.
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Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears Him and acts uprightly is acceptable to Him. You know the word that He sent to the Israelites as He proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
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. Lawrence Justinian, bishop (†1456). From an illustrious Venetian family, he entered the Canons regular of St. Augustine. As the first Patriarch of Venice, Italy, he enlightened his flock with the doctrine of Eternal Wisdom.
St. Apollinaris, bishop (†second century). Author of several works against heresies and of an apology of the Christian Faith, dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
St. Erhard, bishop (†707). Native of Scotland, he preached the Gospel and exercised his Episcopal ministry in Ratisbon, Germany.
St. Severinus, priest and monk (†circa 482). Reorganized the region of Noricum (present day Austria), devastated by the Huns. He reformed customs, converted unbelievers, founded monasteries and provided religious instruction.
St. George of Choziba, monk and hermit (†c. 614). Native of Cyprus, he went to live as a hermit in Choziba, near Jericho, where he founded a well-known monastery.
St. Gudula, virgin (†c. 712). The daughter of Count Witger and St. Amalberga. She consacrated herslef to God and, from her family castle in Morazelles, she dedicated herself to prayer and works of charity. She is honoured as the Patroness of Brussels, Belgium.
Blessed Edward Waterson, priest and martyr (†1593). Anglican who embraced the Catholic Faith and became a priest; sent on mission to England during the reign of Elizabeth I, he was imprisoned and condemned to death.
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