Daily Gospel Reflection for January 12, 2025: The Baptism of the Lord

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Today’s reading always brings back memories of my children’s baptisms, particularly the sense of being “filled with expectation.” It calls to mind the image of praying over our precious child and wondering what God will make of their life.

With all three of our children, baptism day was a special event in our home. We’d carefully chosen the godparents, invited all our family, and purchased a new white garment for them to wear. The day was charged with anticipation and happiness. 

When we’re pregnant, people say you’re “expecting.” Waiting – anticipating for the baby to be born, an entirely new person added to the family. Sometimes we think we know what’s coming, but we can never really know until he or she arrives. During this time of expectation, we begin to wonder about them – who they will look like and what kind of personality they’ll have. We daydream about their possible future. We’re pensive, excited, and anxious – all these things at once. We feel expectations on ourselves – what kind of mother will I be? Will I be a good mother?

Today’s Gospel allows us to be present at the Lord’s baptism. Like our own baptism, the people are gathered at the baptismal place, filled with expectation. They’re waiting for the promised Messiah and become early witnesses to Christ. After baptism, while Jesus was praying, heaven was opened. This is what we wish and pray for our children – Heaven – a life knowing Christ and belonging to the Church family. 

We are all joined as one through baptism, guiding and leading each other in love to the salvation offered us by Christ. Life is not perfect, but don’t we all want to hear God say, “this is my beloved child?”

Ponder:

Renew your baptismal promises. Reflect on what fills you with expectation today.

Pray:

God, guide us as Your children, so that we may model Your perfect unending love as we guide those You’ve entrusted to us today. 

Copyright 2025 Shelly Henley Kelly