Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 11, 2026
First Reading: Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7
1"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.2He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.3A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;4he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."6"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,7to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
Psalm 29
1Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.2Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.3The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.4The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.6He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.7The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.8The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.9The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"10The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.11The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Second Reading: Acts 10.34-38
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached--38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Gospel: Matthew 3.13-17
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Sermon
Today's readings reveal God's profound plan for salvation, starting with Isaiah's prophecy of a chosen servant, upheld by the Spirit, who will gently bring justice to the nations and be a light to the Gentiles, opening blind eyes and freeing prisoners. We see this prophecy fulfilled in the Gospel of Matthew as Jesus, though sinless, humbly comes to John for baptism "to fulfill all righteousness." At this pivotal moment, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him, and the Father's voice declares, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This divine affirmation identifies Jesus as the Spirit-anointed servant. Peter's realization in the Acts of the Apostles – that God shows no partiality, and anyone from any nation who fears Him and acts justly is acceptable – echoes Isaiah's vision and confirms the universal scope of Jesus' mission, proclaiming peace and traveling around "doing good and healing all those oppressed."
Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry, a profound act of humility and obedience that inaugurates His work of redemption. He embodies the gentle yet powerful justice foretold by Isaiah, not breaking the bruised reed nor extinguishing the smoldering wick, yet firmly establishing judgment. Through our own baptism, we too are called to participate in this mission, empowered by the same Holy Spirit. Peter's revelation challenges us to overcome any prejudices, recognizing that God's saving grace extends to every person, without distinction. We are called to live out Christ's Spirit-filled mission in our daily lives, striving to "do good" and bring healing, spiritual light, and liberating truth to those around us, reflecting the inclusive love and justice of God in a world often overshadowed by division and despair.