Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany, we will celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, with Canon Scott Leannah officiating at 9 am during the Holy Eucharist (Rite II).
Reflection on the Readings for the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany 2026
Join us to celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord!
Old Testament – Isaiah 42:1-9
Isaiah introduces us to the mysterious Servant of the Lord, chosen and upheld by God. This Servant is filled with the Spirit and called to bring justice to the nations. He acts with gentleness and compassion; he will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick. His mission is to establish a covenant with the people and to be a light to the nations, opening blind eyes and freeing prisoners from darkness. God proclaims that He is doing a new thing, and this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Father anoints Jesus with the Spirit at His baptism to launch His mission of redemption and healing.
Psalm 29
This majestic psalm celebrates the Lord’s powerful voice thundering over the waters. God’s voice breaks cedars, shakes the wilderness, and strips forests bare—a stunning display of divine power and majesty that inspires awe. Yet this same mighty Lord reigns eternally as King and bestows the blessing of peace upon His people. The imagery of God’s voice over the waters echoes the baptism narrative, in which the Father’s voice speaks over the Jordan, declaring Jesus His beloved Son. This revelation highlights the divine presence that brings both power and peace.
Epistle – Acts 10:34-43
Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his household marks a crucial moment in the early Church’s understanding of God’s inclusive love. Peter emphasizes that God shows no favoritism—anyone from any nation who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him. He recounts Jesus’ ministry, beginning with His baptism by John, when God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went around doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. Although He was crucified, God raised Him on the third day, and the apostles became witnesses of His resurrection. Through Jesus, everyone who believes receives forgiveness of sins.
Gospel – Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew recounts Jesus’ baptism with striking simplicity and impact. When Jesus comes to John at the Jordan River, John hesitates, believing Jesus should be the one baptizing him. Yet Jesus insists that this baptism is necessary “to fulfill all righteousness,” signifying His identification with humanity and the formal initiation of His messianic mission. As Jesus rises from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice declares, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” This divine revelation highlights the Trinity and marks the start of Jesus’ public ministry as the Servant foretold by Isaiah.
Reflection
The central theme of these readings is the revelation of Jesus’ identity and mission through baptism. In Jordan, Jesus is anointed by the Spirit as the Servant who will bring justice and light to the nations. God’s voice declares Jesus His beloved Son, affirming His identity and commissioning His ministry. This feast invites us to remember our own baptism and the covenant we have made. Like Jesus, we are called to be servants who bring God’s light into the world. Through baptism, we share in Christ’s mission, empowered by the same Spirit, and are claimed as God’s beloved children.
As Canon Scott Leannah celebrates Mass with us today, we recommit to keeping our baptismal covenant and boldly confessing Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Read the full reflection and Scripture texts on our services webpage.
The podcast will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform.
If you feel inspired to pray for others, we encourage you to include those on our prayer list in your prayers to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, remember the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
Blessings, and have a great week!
