This icon, from Old Cairo and in the public domain, shows the event commemorated on this day, The warmth of the colouring shows the transcendent radiance of the day.

Here is the Gospel reading, from St Matthew: ‘Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptised, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”’

St Jerome commented: ‘[The dove] sat on the head of Jesus, that none might suppose the voice of the Father spoken to John, and not to the Lord. The mystery of the Trinity is shown in this baptism. the Lord is baptised; the Spirit descends in the shape of a dove; the voice of the Father is heard giving testimony to the Son’.

Today, let us place ourselves in the mystery of the baptism of Jesus, and of the Trinity; and may God bless you and hold you in the arms of His mercy.