The Baptism of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates the Baptism 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 Psalm 29 (Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10).

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 10, 2016)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Baptism of Jesus (January 10, 2016)

Community in Mission: Jesus Does Not Go into the Water Alone; He Takes Us with Him - A Reflection on the Baptism of the Lord (9 JAN 16)

Aleteia: Deacon Greg Kandra: "Where is Christ?": Homily for January 3, 2016, the Epiphany of the Lord (2 JAN 16)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: The Baptism of the Lord and the Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacred Page: The Baptism of the Lord! (6 JAN 16) 

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

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: A King to Behold: The Anointing: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (4 JAN 16)

The Dispatch: "Why did Jesus insist on being baptized?" (9 JAN 16)

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

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

The Word Embodied: 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)

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: The Glory of Jesus Is Just Getting Started (10 JAN 16)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: The Baptism of the Lord (9 JAN 16)