RENUNGAN – 11 JANUARI 2026
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings the Christmas season to a meaningful close and opens before us the public ministry of Jesus. At the Jordan River, we see not only a historical moment, but a profound revelation of who Jesus is and what our own baptism means for our daily Christian life.
In the First Reading from the prophet Isaiah, God speaks tenderly of His chosen servant the one who is upheld, delighted in, and filled with the Spirit. This servant does not shout or break the bruised reed, but brings justice gently and faithfully. Isaiah also reminds us that this servant is a light to the nations, sent to open the eyes of the blind and free those in darkness. This prophecy finds its fulfilment in Jesus, whose mission is rooted not in power or force, but in humble service, compassion, and obedience to the Father.
Psalm echoes this revelation by proclaiming the majesty of the voice of the Lord. The psalm describes God’s voice over the waters, powerful yet life-giving, and concludes with a prayer that the Lord may bless His people with peace. At Jesus’ baptism, this same voice is heard from heaven, affirming Jesus as the beloved Son. The waters of the Jordan thus become a place of divine revelation and blessing.
In the Second Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter proclaims that God shows no partiality. Jesus’ mission is for all people, not just one nation or group. Peter reminds us that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, and that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed. This reading highlights that baptism is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a life empowered by the Spirit for service and witness.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the heart of today’s feast. Jesus, though sinless, humbly approaches John to be baptised. In doing so, He fully identifies Himself with humanity. As He comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Here we see the beautiful revelation of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For us, this feast invites a renewal of our baptismal identity. We are reminded that through baptism, we are beloved sons and daughters of God, called to live as light, to do good, and to bring peace. As we begin Ordinary Time, may we carry this grace into our daily lives, striving to live out our baptism with humility, courage, and faith, trusting that God is always pleased when we walk in His will.
God bless us all.
Kat. Agil Ali Bajarai
