Here is St Luke on today’s event: ‘Now when all the people were baptised, and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.”’

St John Chrysostom recounts: ‘With the servants the Lord, with the criminals the Judge, comes to be baptised. But be not troubled; for in these humiliations His exaltation does most shine forth. For He who vouchsafed to be borne so long in a Virgin’s womb, and to come forth thence with our nature, and to be smitten with rods, and crucified, and to suffer all the rest which He suffered — why do you marvel if He vouchsafed also to be baptised, and to come with the rest to His servant?’

The image of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah is also relevant: ‘Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights …’

It is important that you know that you yourself are greatly loved, that God chooses you for His own purpose. May God bless you and keep you in His love this day.