First Reading
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 42:1-4.6-7
Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my
soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the
nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He
does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings
true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on
earth, for the islands are awaiting his law. I, the Lord, have called you to serve the
cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as
covenant of the people and light of the nations. to open the eyes of the blind, to free
captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will bless his people with peace.
O give the Lord you sons of God,
give the Lord glory and power;
give the Lord the glory of his name.
Adore the Lord in his holy court.
The Lord's voice resounding on the waters,
the Lord on the immensity of waters;
the voice of the Lord, full of power,
the voice of the Lord, full of splendour.
The God of glory thunders.
In his temple they all cry: "Glory!"
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits as king for ever.
Second Reading
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: "The truth I have now come to realise,"
he said, "is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who
fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.
"It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good
news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ - but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You
must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and
how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed
him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went
about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil."
Gospel
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 3:13-17
Glory to you, Lord. Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John
tried to dissuade him. "It is I who need baptism from you," he said "and yet you come
to me!" But Jesus replied, "Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we
should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands." At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens
opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.
And a voice spoke from heaven, "This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on
him."
