The following are homilies, photos, multimedia slides and videos you might find useful for your celebration of the Feast of the Lord’s Baptism (Year C). This Feast commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It is observed on the first Sunday after Epiphany and it brings to an end the season of Christmas.

READINGS

FIRST READING: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11
PSALM: Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
SECOND READING: Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7
GOSPEL: Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

HOMILIES

• The Commitment of Baptism [www.bible.claret.org]
  In lining up for baptism by John like a sinner, Jesus set aside all exemption for himself. He also lined up with someone who would be martyred for his convictions. Jesus would also die for his convictions. This was a commitment to a nonviolent struggle that would win salvation for all. While this commitment was horrific it also had its consolation.Read more…
• He will Baptize You with the Holy Spirit and Fire [dailyscripture.net]
  John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). Why did Jesus, the Sinless One, submit himself to John’s baptism? In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of the “baptism” of his bloody death upon the cross. Jesus’ baptism is the acceptance and the beginning of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners. Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father’s will. Out of love he consented to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins. Do you know the joy of trust and submission to God? Read more…
• The Baptism of the Lord: A Mission from God [www.st.ignatius.net]
  We Christians believe that life is not just a matter of biology. Life is not just a matter of survival. Life is not just a matter of chance. We Christians believe that life, authentic life, consists in serving God by making the Presence of Jesus Christ a reality in the lives of others. That is why we embrace the work of the Lord until the last day we live. That is why each stage of our lives presents us with a challenge, a new way to serve the Lord. Read more…
• Baptism of the Lord [www.catholicmatters.com]
  We are convinced that getting to heaven is more important than getting all the treasures and pleasures this earth has to offer. But do we always live up to these convictions, are we true Christians the seven days of the week? In our work, in our speech, in our dealings with others, in our family life are we truly following Christ and his teaching? Is my way of life, my daily conduct, such that it would cause a non-Christian to say: “That man has something noble and sensible about him, that man is concerned with the things that really matter; that man has an inward peace and sense of security which I have not got, a sense of peace and security which comes not from the things of this world. I must find out what it is and get it for myself?” Read more…

IMAGES

To view and download their full size versions, please click on the images or the names of the artists.

The Baptism of Jesus by Loci Lenar

Icon of the Theophany by Andycoan

Baptism of Jesus by Ray Boone

Jesus’ Baptism by Rbrucemontgomery

SLIDE PRESENTATION

The following presentation can be downloaded here.

VIDEO

The first video can be downloaded here. The second video below can be downloaded from this link.