Readings for Sunday, January 12 — Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17

Suggested Reflection Questions:

• Today’s reading from the Prophet Isaiah describes the coming of God’s chosen one with whom God is pleased. How can we imitate Jesus, the Coming One, as described in Isaiah? How can we also be servants with whom God is pleased?
• In the passage from Acts, Peter sees the faith of Gentile converts and remarks that God shows no partiality for any particular nation. How can Peter’s “aha” moment inspire us today?  
• Matthew’s Gospel gives us a glimpse of a conversation between Jesus and John the Baptist. John, recognizing Jesus as one greater than himself, is taken aback by Jesus’ request to be baptized. If Jesus never sinned, for whose sin is he repenting in the Jordan? Why does this please the Father?