Baptism of our Lord January 11, 2026  

The season of Epiphany (literally to “shine upon”) begins January 6, the day of  Epiphany which emphasizes the visit of the Magi to the Holy Family. The season  of epiphany shines light upon Jesus’ teaching, healing and way of being in the  world.  

 Matthew’s Gospel makes explicit who this Jesus is. The Gospel reading for this  Sunday, Baptism of our Lord, contains words spoken from Heaven, “This is my  Son, the Beloved”. This same voice from heaven repeats the words, “This is my  Son, the Beloved” when Jesus is transfigured (Matthew 17:1-9) and we will hear  those words read February 15, Transfiguration Sunday. Dr. Karoline Lewis from  Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN recommends we repeat these words each Sunday  during Epiphany and connect them to the day’s Gospel reading. Let’s follow Dr. Lewis’ recommendation and see how these words allow Jesus to shine upon us this  season.  

Prayer of the Day  

O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son  and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ  faithful to their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with  your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with  you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17  

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  14John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do  you come to me?” 15But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper  for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16And when  Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the  heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove  and alighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the  Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.