First Reading		Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
The opening verse has three prallel phrases that express the relationship of the servant with Yahweh. He is supported and beloved by Yahweh and endowned with the life-giving Spirit. He pleases Yahweh. The following verses describe the activity of the Servant and three times mention justice, right relationship between perosns. The servant will bring forth Justice through gentleness and mercy. His approach is a gentle one of persuasion, 'not shouting' or 'making his voice heard in the street'.
Second Reading		Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
This is an extract from a speech of Peter, which is an episode in the story f Cornelius' conversion, one of the longest incidents in the Acts. Cornelius was a centurion of the Roman army, the first pagan to receive the Holy Spirit. Thus it occurs in a context which luke regarded as a ver significant, the opening up of salvation to the Gentiles by their becoming members of the Churh , in a process sanctioned by the ch the Apestles. The starting point of that possibility lies in the ministry of Jesus, which was inaugurated by the baptism.
Gospel		Mathew 3:13-17
There are four Mattthean themes in this section: Jesus as Son, as the servant spoken of in Isaiah,as the inaugurator of the new age, and as a model of fulfilling all righteousness. Mathew's account of the baptism if Jesus emphasizes the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God, and not the baptism as such. Mathew wants to show that this is the beginning of the mission of Jesus. The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus is the messianic anointing. The fact that Jesus was baptised when he did not need to be suggests the theme of going the extra mile in the service of the Gospel.