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Gospel Reading for 11 January 2026 -Matthew 3:13-17
CONSCIOUSLY MAKE
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
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The Christmas Season officially ends today, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Thereafter, the liturgical season goes back to Ordinary Time.
Jesus did not need to be baptized by John, but he insisted. He wanted to go through what was ordinary to be a follower of John. Yet, it was far from ordinary because it was here that the Father acknowledged Jesus as his beloved Son.
For us Catholics, Ordinary Time does not mean going into unimportant times. It means that after celebration of the Feasts or after severe repentance during the Lenten Season, it is time to deepen our relationship with God, a time to CONSCIOUSLY MAKE our faith grow. It is that kind of time when Jesus would go to deserted places to pray, to connect with the Father after being with huge crowds. It is the time to contemplate on ordinary things we do in our lives and connect them to the Spirit we received at our Baptism.
Lord Jesus, may everyday be a renewal of the vows made at our Baptism!
