First Reading (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7). This passage is from the first of the four Servant Songs of Second Isaiah. Though the identity of the Servant remains a mystery, the early Christians saw the ‘servant songs’ as being perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. This reading is chosen for today because the words spoken by the heavenly voice at the baptism of Jesus (Gospel reading) are taken almost verbatim from Isaiah 42:1.
Second Reading (Acts 10:34-38). The conversion of Cornelius (a Gentile) was a significant milestone in the transmission of the Good News and the formation of the people of the Church. In his sermon on that occasion Peter declares that God has no favourites: God grants salvation to all people in Christ. For today’s feast the relevant passage is the description of Jesus’ baptism: an anointing with the Holy Spirit and with power.
Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17). The story of Jesus’ baptism is an epiphany story: Jesus is revealed as the Father’s beloved Son, and given power for the mission he was about to begin. This is Matthew’s main emphasis.
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). The fact that Jesus should undergo such a baptism was a source of embarrassment for the early Christians. Why did he undergo it? To give an example of humility, to show solidarity with sinners, and to inaugurate his mission to sinners.
Second Reading (Acts 10:34-38). The conversion of Cornelius (a Gentile) was a significant milestone in the transmission of the Good News and the formation of the people of the Church. In his sermon on that occasion Peter declares that God has no favourites: God grants salvation to all people in Christ. For today’s feast the relevant passage is the description of Jesus’ baptism: an anointing with the Holy Spirit and with power.
Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17). The story of Jesus’ baptism is an epiphany story: Jesus is revealed as the Father’s beloved Son, and given power for the mission he was about to begin. This is Matthew’s main emphasis.
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). The fact that Jesus should undergo such a baptism was a source of embarrassment for the early Christians. Why did he undergo it? To give an example of humility, to show solidarity with sinners, and to inaugurate his mission to sinners.
Baptism
Once Pope Paul VI was asked what was the greatest day in his life. Everyone expected him to say, “It was the day I was made pope.” But without a moment’s hesitation he replied,
“It was the day I was baptised.”
In 2014, Pope Francis asked us to always remember and celebrate the day of our baptism: “It is important to know the date on which I was immersed in the current (waters) of Jesus’ salvation.”