The Baptism of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord. The assigned readings are Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; and Luke 3:15-16, 21-22. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 29 (Psalm 29:1-4, 3, 9-10).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm 29 The Lord Will Bless His People With Peace 010911 AD.avi

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Baptism of Jesus (January 13, 2019)

Community in Mission: Jesus Does Not Go into the Water Alone; He Takes Us with Him - A Reflection on the Baptism of the Lord (12 JAN 19)

Crossroads Initiative: Why Does Jesus Need Baptism?

The Deacon's Bench: In the deep water: Homily for January 13, 2019, The Baptism of the Lord (12 JAN 19)

The Sacred Page: Baptism of Our Lord (10 JAN 19)

The Sacred Page: Epiphany: The Baptism of the Lord (The Mass Readings Explained) (7 JAN 19)

St. Paul Center: The Anointing: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Word on Fire: Vitae Spiritualis Ianua (Feasts * Baptism of the Lord)

Spirituality of the Readings: Staying With (The Baptism of the Lord C)

In Exile: Living in the Holy Spirit (The Baptism of the Lord C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Inspired Hindsight (The Baptism of the Lord C)

The Word Engaged: Transformations of the Body (The Baptism of the Lord C)

Historical Cultural Context: The Baptism of Jesus (The Baptism of the Lord C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Hippolytus of Rome (The Baptism of the Lord C)