Day 4 – The Baptism of Jesus
Theme: Jesus Revealed as the Beloved Son
Weekday in the Epiphany Season
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a candle and place a small bowl of water nearby as a reminder of baptism.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty God,
You revealed Your Son Jesus at His baptism in the Jordan,
when the Holy Spirit descended like a dove
and Your voice declared Him Your beloved Son.
Grant that we, renewed in our own baptism,
may live always as Your beloved children.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Matthew 3:13–17 (The Baptism of the Lord)
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him… When he came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”
Isaiah 42:1 (The Servant of the Lord)
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.”
Reflection
One of the three great manifestations celebrated during the Epiphany season is the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Though sinless, Jesus enters the waters of baptism to identify fully with humanity and to fulfill all righteousness.
- The heavens open — revealing the Holy Trinity: the Father’s voice, the Son in the water, the Spirit as a dove.
- The voice from heaven declares Jesus as the beloved Son — the same words the Father speaks over each of us at our baptism.
- Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry — a moment of humble obedience that launches His mission to save the world.
Our own baptism is our personal Epiphany: God declares us His beloved children, anoints us with the Holy Spirit, and sends us forth to live as witnesses to Christ. Today, we renew our baptismal identity and recommit to shining His light.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- What does it mean to me that God calls me “beloved” and “well-pleasing” through my baptism?
- Jesus humbled Himself by being baptized — where in my life do I need to embrace humility and obedience?
- How can I live out my baptismal call to bring Christ’s light to others this week?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Renew Your Baptismal Promises
Stand near a font or bowl of water. Make the Sign of the Cross with the water and pray aloud:
“I renounce Satan and all his works… I believe in God the Father… in Jesus Christ His only Son… in the Holy Spirit…”
End with: “I renew my baptismal promises and ask God to strengthen me in faith, hope, and love.” - Blessing with Holy Water
If you have holy water at home, bless yourself and your family, saying: “May the Lord renew in us the grace of baptism.” - Sing Together
Sing “Come to the Water” or “I Have Called You by Name” — songs that reflect God’s loving call at baptism. - Act of Charity
Perform a humble service today: wash someone’s dishes, clean a room for a family member, or help someone in need without seeking thanks — imitating Christ’s humility. - Closing Prayer – Renewal of Baptism
Lord Jesus,
You entered the waters of the Jordan
to sanctify all waters and all humanity.
Through my baptism, You made me Your beloved child.
Renew in me today the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Help me to live as Your son/daughter,
humble, obedient, and radiant with Your light.
Father, You said, “This is my beloved Son.”
Say it again over me today.
Holy Spirit, descend upon me anew.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the grace of your baptism shine brightly today.
Day 5 👉: The Wedding at Cana.