The
First Reading
prophesies the Messiah, the One who leads us in how we should respond to God's call. As He was, we are called to lead others to heaven despite the sacrifices this requires. Others have sacrificed to help us on our journey and we need to do the same.
In the
Psalms
we celebrate the incredible goodness of God,
pouring out his blessings upon His People!
His power and might are worth praising!
In the
2nd Reading
, St. Peter recalls all that Jesus did in fulfilling His Father's mission. He fulfilled the prophecies given to the Jewish people - and Peter explains further that the messiah has come not just for the Jewish people, but for everyone in the world.
In the
Gospel
, we recall the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. We have heard it before, but what might God want us to hear this time?
John rightly notes that Jesus did not nee to be baptized, but Jesus wished it - and John, not understanding, but trusting, obeyed.
The waters of Baptism were made holy by Jesus' baptism,
so that we can be made holy by those waters.
Through this sanctification of the water,
public affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God, and
revelation of the Trinity in the Voice of the Father,
the Holy Spirit coming like a dove, and
the physical presence of Jesus, the Son of God
- through this one act Christ conveys much for us to ponder!