Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

January 11, 2026

The Baptism of the Lord

John the Baptist had a big following. The people were drawn to his message, even though he was pretty blunt and didn’t hold back. He warned the people that the prophesied day of reckoning was upon them, the great day of global purification. The Messianic time was imminent. But he was doing something strange. He was baptizing his fellow Jews. He was calling them to deep repentance. He told the chosen people they had to wash away their sins. Being a Jew wasn’t enough to assure a place in the messianic time. Profound metanoia was required.

While he was preaching, Jesus approached John and asked for baptism. Though John hesitated, he baptized Jesus along with the people. Jesus was the Messiah who would lead those who redirected their lives to the kingdom of God. But everyone would be surprised how this would take place. Saint Paul today tells us that Jesus was baptized – anointed – “with the Holy Spirit and power, doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil.” But there was a key element that Paul didn’t mention. The Father voiced the anointing. “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”

This little sentence points to two biblical passages. Psalm 2 verse 7: “You are my son, today I have fathered you.” At the Jordan River, Jesus was anointed as God’s beloved Son, the Messiah. The second part of the anointing prayer is taken from Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 42:1. “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.”

Today, as we hear the Baptist’s call, let’s embrace Jesus’ mission of healing and self-sacrifice. Let’s unite with the mission of the suffering servant by offering our personal gift of self. Let our lives proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is among us.

Prayer:

Almighty Lord, you offered your Son as the messiah and sacrificial lamb. Help us to follow him as ministers of the kingdom, bringing healing and hope to the world. Amen.