The Baptism of the Lord

Today marks the close of the Christmas season, but before we return to Ordinary Time, we have one more great feast to celebrate — The Baptism of the Lord. Today’s feast is a perfect opportunity to use the privileges and responsibilities we all share as Christian stewards by virtue of our own Baptism, and how we might live them out more fully in this new year 2026.

At the moment of our Baptism, whether in infancy or later in life, we became adopted sons and daughters of God, members of his holy, Catholic Church. Though we may not have realized it, the moment of our Baptism is also the moment we become Christian stewards, disciples of Jesus Christ, tasked with the work of following in His footsteps day by day and sharing the Gospel message with all those around us.

In our second reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter gives us a glimpse of the person of Jesus we should imitate. “He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” We must live our lives like Jesus, seeking to do good to everyone we encounter; not just those in our inner circle of family and friends, but everyone in our community since the Father loves us all and Jesus sought out everyone with His saving message.

In the Gospel passage from Saint Matthew, we see yet another aspect of Jesus in action, this time as he humbly stands before John to be baptized by him. What humility and what willingness to unite Himself to us!  We can do no less as we live out our daily lives as his disciples.

There is no greater honor, no greater satisfaction than living well this stewardship way of life. Let’s resolve in this new year to use our Time, Talents, and Treasure in ways that allow us to live out our Baptism and to walk more closely in the footsteps of Jesus.

Fr. Mark Zacker

Pastor