Today’s Gospel reading, from St Matthew, quotes from the first Servant Song of Isaiah. Here is part of it: ‘Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles’.

These words are echoed also in the mysteries of the Baptism and the Transfiguration of the Lord. The context, however, of this passage is set in the midst of controversy, where Jesus has to withdraw from the crowds for a time. Yet, He remains the Beloved Son of the Father.

May we too know Him as Beloved, and trust Him with all our heart; and may He bless you abundantly this day.