Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

“You are my beloved Son”

The meaning of the celebration

On the Sunday after the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we recall that moment the Father reveals to the world that Jesus is his “beloved son.” This he did when Jesus was been baptized in the River Jordan.

With the visit of the Magi and the wedding at Cana, the baptism of Jesus forms part of the three-fold mystery of the Epiphany.

Originally celebrated as part of the Octave of the Epiphany, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas Season.

For prayer and reflection

“You know… the word which as proclaimed throughout all Judea… after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing.” (Acts 10:34-38)

Prayer

Almighty ever-living God,

who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan

and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him,

solemnly declared him your beloved Son,

grant that your children by adoption,

reborn of water and the Holy Spirit,

may always be well-pleasing to you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

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