Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings.

Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and

share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the

dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount,

Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light

of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we

are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be alight to the nations. In the waters of baptism, we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.

Gospel reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel reading: Matthew 2:13-23

Gospel reading: Luke 2:1-20

Gospel reading: Matthew 11:2-11