The Baptism of the Lord

The following resources are in the form of a video presentation

  • The readings for the day
  • (a useful commentary on these readings here )
  • A Gospel Reflection by Fr Alex
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Final Blessing
  • Closing reflective music

Having listened to the readings and helped by Fr Alex's reflection on them, you might want simply to reflect yourself on what you have heard and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.

If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.

Why did Jesus get baptised? He had no need of being cleansed of sin.

Why did he bother to be born and wait 30-odd years before starting his ministry?

Why did he not use his power and might to demonstrate the truth of his message?

These and many more questions highlight the way that God really did become one of us. He did not cut corners just because he had the power to do so.

As Paul says, “…he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a human being, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross.”( Phil 2, 7 and 8)

Baptism kick-started both his ministry and ours. He had about three years to get his mission completed – how is our ministry going?


Just a single question this week with two parts:

a) Review your faith life from the time of your baptism until now, with its successes and failures; its triumphs and disasters; its moments of self-surrender and its times of utter weakness. (Something of both kinds to share in your group)

b) Pick some action in the upcoming week which is both relevant and achievable – an action which confirms you are a true adopted daughter or son of God; pray for the strength to go through with it. 

Preparing for next week

For those who would like to start reflecting on next week's gospel,

the text can be found here.

Preparing for next week’s gospel:  Second Sunday of the Year B

John 1:35-42       They saw where he lived, and stayed with him.

(Framed for a group discussion)

Andrew tells his brother Peter: “We have found the Messiah.”

Little did they know how right they were about the person and how wrong they were about what that title meant.

  1. Share an experience when you met someone who helped you to change your priorities, values or outlook.
  2. Relate a time when you were stubborn about a new experience but eventually realised its value.
End of Prayer resource