Gospel Notes
Whereas Mark's earlier version of Jesus' baptism makes the theophany more subjective (with the voice from heaven addressing Jesus as a "Thou"), Matthew (with Luke) makes it more objective, with the divine declaration from above addressed to the bystanders. By making this personal event, in effect, public, Matthew may be declaring that this baptism was an epiphany to the world.
Liturgical Color
White
Suggested Hymns
Hail To The Lord's…
CSS Publishing Company, CONTEMPORARY LECTIONARY PRAYERS, by Dennis Koch