In our First Reading, From the Book Of
the Prophet Isaiah
Is 42:1-4,6-7
Isaiah's central message is an announcement of salvation for the people of God. He reveals God as a Shepherd-King, attracting and ever-caring for his people.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.
In the Second Reading, From the Letter of Paul to Titus
Ti 2:11-14; 3;4-7
Paul proclaims that the "grace of God has appeared" in Christ. This has set us on the road to salvation by giving us the gifts of God, especially Baptism and by calling us to lead lives dedicated to Christ.
In the Gospel of Luke
Lk 3:15-16,21-22
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire, fire is a familiar biblical image that points to the presence of God. Here it could indicate the Holy Spirit's purifying and sanctifying activity at baptism. 'Like a dove' Israel is often compared with a dove. Here it stands for the new Israel, the community founded by Jesus and our Lord himself representing it.
Luke has Jesus pray after his baptism, just as he has him pray often before important decisions in his life. This was an important moment in the life of Jesus, namely one in which he received a clear awareness of the great mission he had to accept. Pray often to the Holy Spirit for fidelity to your calling in life.
