Merry Christmas! Yes, it’s still Christmas season on January 11, and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the final day of Christmas on the Catholic liturgical calendar. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the readings no longer tell the story of the Christ Child. It is still Christmas in the sense that the public ministry of Jesus has not yet begun. Let’s turn to the readings for insight.
The First Reading comes once again from Isaiah, specifically chapter 42. This means it was written by a disciple of the prophet whom scholars call Deutero-Isaiah. These later chapters were written to reassure Israel during the Babylonian exile. The author speaks poetically of a “Servant of the Lord.”
I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice…
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement.
Isaiah was not offering a direct prophecy of Jesus, but rather envisioning a figure who would help restore Israel after captivity. Christians, however, have long seen this passage fulfilled in Christ.
The Second Reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, forms the heart of today’s message. Peter is speaking in the house of Cornelius, a Gentile:
In truth, I see that God shows no partiality…
In every nation, whoever fears the Lord and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
Luke, the author of Acts, is teaching his Gentile community that although Israel was chosen as God’s people, divine favor is not limited to them. Salvation begins with Jesus’ baptism and is offered to all. Peter’s speech culminates with Cornelius and his household receiving the Holy Spirit – Jew and Gentile alike.
With that background, we arrive at today’s Gospel from Gospel of Matthew. The baptism of Jesus posed a theological challenge for early Christians. If Jesus was sinless, why submit to a baptism of repentance? Matthew addresses this concern by adding a dialogue between John and Jesus:
John: “I need to be baptized by you.”
Jesus: “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
By entering the waters, Jesus identifies fully with humanity, just as he later eats with sinners in solidarity. Matthew then presents a Trinitarian revelation that becomes the model for Christian baptism: the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice declares Jesus as his beloved Son.
The Baptism of the Lord is ultimately a celebration of our own baptism. As the mystery of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit was revealed at the Jordan, so we are called to reveal the Triune God to a world still longing – now more than ever – for justice, love, and peace.
Baptism of the Lord Entrance Antiphon After the Lord Was Baptized (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #34
This Entrance Antiphon is a direct quote from today’s Gospel.
Entrance Chant Gather at the Water (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread 2026 #653
Sarah Hart’s “Gather at the Water” has an appealing Americana feel that adds to the joy of this celebration of the Lord’s baptism.
Responsorial Psalm The Lord Will Bless His People with Peace (Paull Hillebrand)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 66
Paul Hillebrand’s setting has remarkable chords that elevate the melody of this psalm of praise.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 68
The acclamation verse helps us to focus our minds and hearts on the proclamation of the Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Of the Father’s Love Begotten (Traditional; arr. by Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #149; Breaking Bread 2026 #92
This flowing Gregorian chant joyfully sings of the Father’s revelation of his eternal Son to humanity.
Baptism of the Lord Communion Antiphon Behold the One of Whom John Said (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #35
One approach to the Communion Antiphon is to have a cantor or small group sing it while the ministers and choir are receiving the Eucharist. The antiphon is brief and can be repeated until the choir returns to the music area to begin singing the Communion Chant.
Communion Chant Come to the River (Bob Hurd)
Spirit & Song #51; Never Too Young #241; Breaking Bread 2026 #656
Bob Hurd’s gospel-style song of baptism calls us to the waters of rebirth.
Sending Forth Joy to the World (Traditional; arr. by Dean Baskerville, Laurie Roberts and Tammy McMorrow)
Spirit & Song #147; Never Too Young #161; Breaking Bread 2026 #90
For one final time until next December, we sing this beloved Christmas carol that proclaims Christ’s coming into our world.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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