THE GOSPEL
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22Jesus also had been baptized and was praying.
Heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
Jesus, sinless,
you stood among us,
awaiting the sacrament like everybody else.
as though you were a sinner who
needs to be made
clean.
But the Father said in a loud voice:
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well
pleased.”
Oh Holy God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you stand with us, sinful as we are,
forming us as beloved daughters and sons.
Baptism shows your light in us for all the world.
THE FIRST READING
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
or 40:1-5, 9-11
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased.
We cry
in the wilderness.
The roads we walk are rugged and rough:
virus, racism and climate potholes,
only deep valleys
and
steep
mountains.
Jesus,
be
a path for us.
As for all nations,
open our straying eyes;
release prisoners to walk free;
deliver those who live in oppression.
Let the grace
you bestow
make us
mercy
to
one
another.
Gather us
as lambs
in your
arms.
THE SECOND READING
Acts 10:34-38
or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us.
Lord,
rain down
your Spirit upon us:
over our
shoulders,
heads, hands, feet.
Drench our hearts.
Your lavish love
gives us
life
beyond telling.
Thank
you.