Short reflection:

The Baptism of the Lord

This liturgical text, Matthew 3:13-17, details the biblical account of Jesus' baptism as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The narrative begins with Jesus approaching John the Baptist at the Jordan River, insisting on the rite despite John’s initial hesitation and feelings of unworthiness. Upon emerging from the water, the scene transforms into a divine revelation where the sky opens and the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove. A heavenly voice concludes the event by formally identifying Jesus as God’s cherished Son. This passage serves as a foundational scriptural reading for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the 2026 liturgical calendar. These verses highlight the official commencement of Christ’s ministry and his commitment to fulfilling divine requirements.

Long reflection:

Catholic Reflections – The Beloved Son

Date: Sunday 11 January 2026

liturgical

Liturgical: The Baptism of the Lord, Feast

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on humility, identity, and the gift of the Holy Spirit

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel – Matthew 3:13–17 (paraphrased):

Jesus travelled from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. John was hesitant and tried to stop Him, saying that he needed to be baptised by Jesus, not the other way around. But Jesus insisted, explaining that this was the right thing to do in order to fulfil all righteousness. So John agreed.

As soon as Jesus was baptised, He came up out of the water. In that moment, heaven was opened, and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting upon Him. Then a voice came from heaven, declaring: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Key Points:

1. Jesus chooses humility

Though sinless, Jesus steps into the waters with sinners. He identifies with us and begins His public mission with humility.

2. Obedience fulfils righteousness

Jesus shows that holiness is lived through obedience to the Father’s will, even when it is surprising.

3. Heaven opens over Jesus

The opened heavens reveal that in Christ, the barrier is broken—God draws near and invites us into communion.

4. The Spirit rests upon Him

The dove points to the anointing of the Messiah. Jesus is empowered for His mission, and He later pours out the same Spirit upon the Church.

5. Our true identity in Christ

The Father’s words reveal who Jesus is—and through baptism, we too are loved, claimed, and called to live as children of God.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

You entered the Jordan in humility

to fulfil the Father’s will and to sanctify the waters for us.

Renew in us the grace of our baptism.

Father in heaven,

help us to hear Your love spoken over our lives.

Holy Spirit,

rest upon us,

strengthen our weakness,

and guide us in holiness.

When we doubt our worth or our calling,

remind us that we belong to You.

Make us faithful disciples,

ready to follow Jesus

and to live in the joy of being Your children.

Mary, Mother of Jesus,

pray for us.

Amen.

Tags: Catholic, Baptism of the Lord, Matthew 3, Jesus Baptised, Jordan River, John the Baptist, Holy Spirit, Dove, Beloved Son, Identity, Baptism, Discipleship, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections