January 11. 2026
The Baptism of the Lord
The theological virtues are the supernatural gifts of
faith, hope, and love
that are directly infused by God into the human soul
to enable a person to live in relationship with the Holy Trinity.
by Jeff Haynie
For purchase, see:
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-baptism-of-jesus-jeff-haynie.html
Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy, our Gospel invites us to the banks of the Jordan River. We sit in the midst of a crowd filled with avid believers and curious doubters. The Baptist passionately preaches on the muddy shore. Some listen intently. Some fiddle with their picnic baskets because they aren’t ready to hear. (They don’t have cell phones to fiddle with.)
Where are you, and what are you doing when the under-breath murmurs begin to rise in surprised chatter? Who is this man exuding mysterious power even as he quietly emerges from the bank’s far side – and why is he here?
Simply this:
Jesus came from Galilee
to John at the Jordan
to be baptized by him.
But Omnipotence reveals Itself in this simple act: Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit present in Divine Voice, Sacred Wing, Grace-drenched Redeemer.
After Jesus was baptized,
he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened for him,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16-17
As you experience this miraculous revelation, are you still looking into your picnic basket? Or have you been changed right down to your roots?
Music: Behold the Lamb of God from Handel’s Messiah
For Your Reflection
- What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
- Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ?
- What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?
Suggested Scripture:
Lavish Mercy 