Feast of the Baptism of the Lord; Vigil:  Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025;
Feast:  Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025

This feast provides the culmination of the Christmas season, with the Baptism of the Lord.  In today's Gospel, rich symbolism describes the expression of Jesus' acceptance of the mission that the Father has given him God's suffering servant.

In the first part of the reading, Jesus accepts his mission of redemption by coming to John to be baptized.  Although Jesus is sinless, by this action he identifies himself with humanity in order to take away the sins of the world.

The second part of the reading gives us the Father's response to Jesus' acceptance.  God identifies Jesus clearly as "my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."  Then "the heavens were opened", reversing what happened through Adam's sin.  Jesus' baptism restores God's relationship with humankind intended from the beginning of creation.

An important side-note occurs in all three synoptic Gospels.  This is the only occurence in scripture where the three Persons of God were manifested in one place at one time.  The voice of the Father was clearly heard by all in attendance. Jesus, himself, was present in the reception of baptism, and the Holy Spirit was seen to descend like a dove.

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord IS a Holy Day of Obligation in 2024, falling on a weekend.

The Vigil will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025
     Mass: 5:30 p.m.

The Feast will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025
     Masses:  8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

This feast also marks the last day of this year's Christmas Season.