First Epiphany - The Baptism of Jesus

First Sunday of Epiphany - The Baptism of Jesus
January 11, 2026

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

I have always been fascinated by the relationship of Jesus and John. Jesus comes to John to be baptized but John refuses at first. These were two who knew each other, may have played together as cousins and might have had a decent report. There is a humanity and also there is a natural reluctance at play in this scene. Each has a road they have been called to by God, and each has to choose to follow that road daily. Even the Son of God, even Jesus, has to make the human choices we often struggle with. There was much more dialog at this event, I am very sure. All of have been at these moments, these crossroads in our lives. Yet, Jesus and John say yes together to God. And God thunders with joy when Jesus says yes, and when we say yes. In troubled times, as they were then and they are now, we are called to follow the way of love, to dive deep into the water again and be God's beloved in these times. Thunderous joy awaits us all.

                                                        A Litany for First Epiphany

Loving Creator, you breathe your love in all creation

you set the planets and the clouds in their motion

and you shine your light in our hearts every new day.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

We feel like we are drowning in these troubled times

when power and money deprive the poor of daily bread

and bring violence to innocent mothers and fathers here.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

Lift us from this deep shroud of darkness we deeply feel

and raise us up from the salty brine and tangled seaweed

so we might breathe your new light and love right here.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

We are your beloved, reluctant, weary and terribly torn

you are our ground, our strength and our everything.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

Lead us from the darkness of our broken hearts

so that we might see your light shining within us.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

For you are thundering with joy as we say yes

and ready to lead us through to the light of joy again. 

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world. Amen.