Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
-Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)
Today, then, is another kind of birth of the Savior. We see him born with the same sort of signs, the same sort of wonders, but with greater mystery. The Holy Spirit, who was present to him then in the womb, now pours out upon him in the torrent. He who then purified Mary for him now sanctifies the running waters for him. The Father who then overshadowed in power now cries out with his voice. He who then, as if choosing the more prudent course, manifested himself as a cloud at the nativity now bears witness to the truth. So God says, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear him.”
-Maximus of Turin
The Collect for The First Sunday of Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord
Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 89:20-29 (below playlist)
New Testament Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-22
Psalm 89:20-29
20 I have found David my servant; *
with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21 My hand shall hold him fast, *
and my arm shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not be able to do him violence; *
the son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
23 I will smite his foes before his face *
and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, *
and in my Name shall his horn be exalted.
25 I will give him dominion over the sea, *
and with his right hand shall he rule the rivers.
26 He shall say to me, “You are my Father, *
my God, and the rock of my salvation.”
27 And I will make him my firstborn, *
higher than the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy will I keep for him for ever, *
and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
29 His seed will I make to endure for ever *
and his throne as the days of heaven.