Reflection for the Baptism of Our Lord, 2026

 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38, 5-6; Matthew 3:13-17

Here is my servant whom I uphold.

When a celebrity is introduced to a group, the wild applause and fanfare excite the audience.   How different is the Lord’s introduction of his favored “servant” as seen in Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading today.

The Lord’s praise for his chosen one in this passage could hardly be greater, but the servant’s gentle meekness is his outstanding characteristic. Although he will bring forth justice, the servant’s way of doing this contrasts with ideas current in the Roman world, and in ours.  His words will be effective quietly, “not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.”

Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Beatitudes describe Jesus’ peaceful personality as poor and meek, as well as hungry and thirsty for righteousness (Mt 5, Lk 6), and we hear Jesus tell us to learn from His gentle and humble heart (Mt 1:29.)

As the readings continue, we see the servant, grasped by the hand of God, this man will bring light in several very gentle ways to the people waiting for Him.  The nations will be enlightened, the blind will see, and those confined in prisons and dungeons will be brought out to the glorious freedom of the light of day.

Freedom and light are sweet metaphors for the removal of sin from our lives.  The baptism of John, which we celebrate today, was also a cleansing sign which the Jewish people easily recognized.  John’s baptism by water prefigured the Sacrament of Baptism, which removes sin for anyone who comes.

Jesus is our gentle model for the good we hope to do in our lives. Let us ask Him to flood our hearts with the love of His Heart, so we can gently grasp others by the hand and lead them to Him.  May the Lord help us to protect the “bruised reeds” of his wounded flock in our midst and to treat with delicate care the “smoldering wicks” of our fellow children of God.

The Lord will bless His people with peace.

Have a blessed and peaceful New Year 2026!