The Baptism of the Lord: Sunday 11 January 2026
Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7; Psalm 29:1–4, 9–10; Acts 10:34–38; Matthew 3:13–17
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| The painting by Jan van Scorel on the Baptism of Christ To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/fompCshra8k |
The greatness of the great people is known more by their deeds than their words. They embody a sense of humility and kindness. They are ready to become low in order to make others great. They are always at work with people, bringing mercy and compassion. They are a beacon of hope to the hopeless, courage to the fearful, and consolation to those inconsolable. They nurture a sense of Godliness and holiness. They are those whom we like them to be around. Their presence itself is grace. They bring so much joy and peace. Without them, we feel empty, or something is missing. They lead people to God. They are fearless and ready to die for the cause they hold so dear. Words like "lies" or "laziness" are not in their dictionaries. They speak for God and offer their lives to God and God alone. They speak the truth and work towards justice. As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have beautiful liturgical readings. We see John the Baptist and Jesus, the men of God, ready to be embraced by the Spirit of God at a very important moment of their lives. The courage and humility that we see in both of them are truly inspiring as we still feel the warmth of the New Year 2026.
1. Baptism of Jesus - Being in Solidarity with others.
On this Sunday, as the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Gospel of Matthew (3:13–17) invites us to stand on the banks of the river Jordan and contemplate a profound mystery. Jesus, the sinless One, the Son of God, the God-Man steps into the waters of repentance. He does not need baptism, yet He chooses it. In doing so, He enters fully into the human condition and sanctifies the waters of our lives.
Jesus’ baptism is not about cleansing Him; it is about solidarity; it is about recognizing God's plan through the person of John the Baptist. He shows solidarity with a people longing for conversion, healing, and hope. He becomes one with them. Our authentic Christian living begins not in distancing ourselves from the brokenness of the world, the ugliness of the world but in entering it with compassion. Faith is not withdrawal; it is engagement. To be baptized into Christ is to walk with others in their struggles, to share their burdens, and to carry hope where it is most needed. To follow just what Jesus did.
2. Baptism - A Call to Give Public Witness
As Jesus rises from the water, the heavens open. The Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice is heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Here we are given a glimpse into the heart of God—a God who delights in relationship, a God who affirms, a God who sends. This moment reveals that baptism is not merely a ritual of the past but an ongoing identity. Each of us, baptized in Christ, is called beloved before we are called to do anything. Our worth does not come from our achievements, roles, or moral perfection, but from God’s unconditional love.
The descent of the Spirit also marks the beginning of Jesus’ public mission. Baptism leads to mission. It propels Jesus toward preaching, healing, forgiving, and ultimately giving His life for others. Likewise, our baptism is not meant to remain a private memory or part of private life or a certificate stored away. Religion is not private. It is a daily calling—to live as people guided by the Spirit, to stand for truth and justice, to bring healing into fractured relationships, and to be voices of hope in a noisy and wounded world.
3. Baptism - Following in the footsteps of our Master, Lord Jesus Christ
Practicing our Christian faith, then, means remembering our baptism. It means choosing humility over privilege, service over status, faithfulness over convenience. It means listening for God’s voice in prayer and trusting that even when our path is unclear, the heavens are not closed to us. God continues to speak, continues to send the Spirit, and continues to affirm us as His beloved children.
On this feast, we are invited not only to admire the baptism of Jesus but to renew our own baptismal commitment. Standing with Christ in the waters, we are reminded who we are and whose we are—and we are sent forth to live that identity with courage, compassion, and hope. We imitate John the Baptist in his humility and Jesus in his courage to accept the baptism from the prophet.
Questions for self-reflection
- In what ways am I called, like Jesus, to stand in solidarity with others—especially the wounded, the forgotten, or the struggling?
- How consciously do I live my baptism in daily life through humility, service, and compassion?
- Where do I sense the Spirit inviting me to grow, to change, or to begin anew?
Prayer
Loving Father, at the waters of the river Jordan, You revealed the depth of Your love and called Jesus Your beloved Son. As we remember this moment, renew within us the grace of our own baptism. Help us to live each day knowing that we are held by Your unconditional love, not because of what we do, but because we belong to You. Open our hearts to the gentle movement of Your Spirit, guiding us toward humility, compassion, and faithful service. Give us the courage to walk with others in their joys and struggles, and the strength to be signs of hope in a wounded world. May our lives, shaped by baptism, reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
07 January 2025
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