Baptism of the Lord
Feast Day: January 7, 2024
The Baptism of the Lord is the name of a feast day observed in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church. The feast commemorates the baptism of Jesus by St. John the Baptist.
God the Father attests to the divinity of the Son at the moment of his baptism in the waters of the Jordan and, by this means, Jesus "manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him." (Jn 2:11) Jesus is Messiah.
"While Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape like a dove."
"You are my Son the Beloved"
Today, we are asked to reflect on the baptism of Christ in the Jordan and on our own baptism too. The baptism of Jesus was no ordinary event. It was the beginning of his public ministry among us. God was with his Son Jesus in power, and made it known that Jesus was his specially chosen witness on earth.
Baptismal Site of Jesus (Jordan)
Prayer for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Open the heavens almighty Father,
and pour out your spirit upon your people.
Renew the power of our
baptismal cleansing and fill us with
zeal for good deeds.
Let us hear your voice once again,
that we may recognize in your
beloved Son our hope in inheriting
eternal life.
Grant this through Jesus
Christ, your Word made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
in the splendor of eternal light,
God forever and ever.
Amen.