Homily 1.11.2026 / Baptism of the Lord

Reading from the Book of Isaiah (42:1–4, 6–7): THUS says the Lord: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen one, in whom I delight. I have put my spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry out or shout, he will not make his voice heard in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench. He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not falter or be broken until he establishes justice on the earth. In his law the islands place their hope. I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness, I took you by the hand and formed you, and made you a covenant of the people and a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of confinement, and from the dungeon those who live in darkness.” The Word of God Psalm Psalm 28:1a, 2, 3ac–4, 3b, 9b–10 R/. The Lord blesses his people with peace V/. Children of God, acclaim the Lord, acclaim the glory of the name of the Lord, bow down before the Lord in the holy court. R/. V/. The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the Lord over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is majestic. R/. V/. The God of glory thunders. In his temple all cry out: “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood, the Lord sits as king forever. R/. Second Reading Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (10:34–38): IN those days, Peter began to speak and said: “Now I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. He sent his word to the children of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. I refer to Jesus of Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” The Word of God Gospel Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew (3:13–17): IN those days, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, 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. It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness”. Then John allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”. The Word of the Lord