First Reading
First reading
Reading from the book of Isaiah
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the Lord:
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one, in whom I take delight.
I have put my spirit upon him
to make justice shine forth among the nations.
He will not cry out, nor shout,
nor make his voice heard in the street;
he will not break the bruised reed,
nor quench the smoldering wick.
He will promote justice faithfully;
he will not waver or be crushed
until he establishes justice on the earth,
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
I, the Lord,
faithful to my design for salvation,
have called you, taken you by the hand, formed you,
and established you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement
and from the dungeon those who live in darkness”.
Second reading
Reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 10:34-38
In those days, Peter proceeded to speak to Cornelius and the others in his house, saying: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show partiality but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. He has sent word to the children of Israel proclaiming peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him”.
Gospel
Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew
Matthew 3:13-17
At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan for baptism by John. But John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
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.”