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Message from the desk of the Pastor:

THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Gospel Reading 

Matthew 3:13-17

The Spirit of God comes upon Jesus as he is baptized by John.

Background on the Gospel Reading

The baptism of Jesus is attested to in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.      The account that appears in Matthew is the only one to include the dialogue    between Jesus and John, however. Another difference in Matthew’s presentation      of this event is the announcement made by the voice from heaven, which says,    “This is my beloved son . . .” In Mark and Luke, this voice addresses itself to Jesus: “You are my beloved son . . .”

The baptisms that John performs prefigure Christian Baptism. John baptizes            for repentance from sin. In accepting this baptism, Jesus unites himself with            all sinners even though he is sinless. In Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist distinguishes his practice of baptism from the Baptism that the Messiah brings:        “I am baptizing you with water . . . He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

The baptism of Jesus is another manifestation of Christ, another epiphany.      Christ’s baptism inaugurates his mission. In an analogous way, our Baptism inaugurates our mission as Christians.



This Sunday marks a transition from the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. In a way, today’s feast is the high point of the Christmas season. Before Jesus’ birth, angels announced to Mary and to Joseph who Jesus would be. At his birth, the shepherds and the Magi recognize Jesus as the Messiah. At his baptism, Jesus accepts that he is God’s son and inaugurates that mission.

Family Connection

At Jesus’ baptism, God affirms his Son’s mission for salvation. God announces        his pleasure with Jesus and, in Matthew’s Gospel, announces to all that, “This is      my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). With this affirmation, Jesus is able to resist the temptations described next in Matthew’s Gospel and to begin his public ministry.      As family members, we can support one another in our Christian living by affirming the importance of each person in our eyes and in God’s. Confident that through our Baptism we too were made children of God, we can resist temptation and share in Christ’s mission.

Gather as a family to read today’s Gospel, Matthew 3:13-17. Recall that God’s message about Jesus was meant for us, “This is my beloved Son.” It was also          an affirmation for Jesus about his role in God’s plan.

Place each family member’s name on a slip of paper and put the names in a bowl. Invite each person in the family to choose another family member’s name and to prepare a message for that person, affirming their importance in God’s eyes and        in your family life. Pray together that your family will continue to support one    another in your baptismal promises to be disciples of Jesus and then invite each person to read aloud the message they prepared. Conclude by praying together        the Lord’s Prayer.