The Baptism of the Lord

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Ordinary Time. On this day, we remember when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This moment reveals Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and marks the start of His public ministry. It’s also a time to reflect on our own baptism. Through baptism, we are cleansed of sin, become members of the Church, and share in Christ’s mission. We are called to live as God’s children every day, embracing our identity as disciples and letting our faith guide our lives.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, games, lesson plans, and more for youth ministry, religious education, classrooms, and your home. See how to determine the correct year.

The Baptism of the Lord Year A
The Baptism of the Lord Year B
The Baptism of the Lord Year C

Mass Readings for the Baptism of the Lord Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the Baptism of the Lord Year A readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7: The Lord’s chosen servant will bring justice quietly and gently. He will be a light to the nations, opening blind eyes and freeing prisoners.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 29: Give glory to the Lord, whose powerful and majestic voice is over the waters. He is king forever and will bless his people with peace.

Second Reading – Acts 10:34-38: Peter tells Cornelius and his guests that God accepts anyone who respects Him and does good, mentioning Jesus’ message of peace and healing.
Gospel – Matthew 3:13-1: Jesus gets baptized by John, despite John’s initial hesitation. As Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends, and God declares Jesus as His beloved Son.

Mass Readings for the Baptism of the Lord Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the Baptism of the Lord Year B readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7: The Lord delights in His servant, endowed with His spirit, to bring justice gently and quietly to nations, freeing the oppressed and guiding the world in righteousness.
Alternate First Reading – Isaiah 55:1-11: The Lord invites all to freely receive His abundance, promising an everlasting covenant and mercy. His ways surpass ours, and His word, like rain, fulfills its purpose on earth.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 29: All are called to honor the Lord’s glory and majesty. His powerful voice thunders over waters, reigning eternally, promising peace to His people.

Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 12: Confident in the Lord as my salvation and strength, I joyfully draw from His deliverance. Proclaim His deeds and sing of His greatness, for He dwells magnificently among us.
Second Reading – Acts 10:34-38: Peter realizes God shows no favoritism; anyone from any nation who respects Him and acts righteously is accepted. He recounts Jesus’ works, anointed to heal and do good.
Alternate Second Reading – 1 John 5:1-9: Believing in Jesus as the Messiah means loving God and His children, obeying His commandments, not burdensome but a path to overcoming the world. God’s testimony affirms Jesus.

Gospel – Mark 1:7-11: John the Baptist, proclaiming the coming of one greater than himself, baptized with water but foretold of a baptism with the Holy Spirit by the coming one. Jesus from Nazareth was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Upon emerging, Jesus witnessed the heavens opening, the Spirit descending like a dove upon Him, and heard a divine voice affirming Him as the beloved Son, expressing divine pleasure in Him.

Mass Readings for the Baptism of the Lord Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the Baptism of the Lord Year C readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7: God presents His chosen servant who brings justice quietly and gently. He is called to be a light, opening blind eyes and freeing prisoners.

Alternate First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: God comforts Jerusalem, announcing the end of her suffering. Prepare for the Lord’s coming, who will reveal his glory. God comes with power, like a shepherd caring for his flock.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 29: Honor God for His glory. His powerful voice is over the waters. In His temple, all say, “Glory!” He is king forever.
Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 104: God is great, clothed in majesty, creator of many works. All creatures depend on Him for life and food. He renews the earth with His spirit.

Second Reading – Acts 10:34-38: Peter explains that God accepts everyone who fears Him and does right. He shares how Jesus, anointed by God, did good and healed many, with God’s presence.
Alternate Second Reading – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7: God’s grace saves us and teaches us to live rightly. Jesus Christ gave Himself to cleanse us. Through His mercy, we are renewed by the Holy Spirit and made heirs of eternal life.
Gospel – Luke 3:15-16, 21-22: The people wondered if John was the Christ. John said he wasn’t and spoke of someone greater. Jesus was baptized, and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove. A voice from heaven declared Jesus as God’s beloved Son.

Resources for the Baptism of the Lord

Beloved – A Baptism Lesson Plan

The Baptism of the Lord reminds us of our own baptism and the great gift it is. When Jesus was baptized, God called Him His beloved Son. In our baptism, we too become beloved sons and daughters of God. Baptism leaves a permanent “mark” on our souls, making us part of God’s family forever. This mark is a sign of God’s love, which can never be taken away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin, makes us members of the Church, and gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are later strengthened in Confirmation. We are forever God’s children.

Drip Drip Drop Game

Drip Drip Drop is a fun water game for youth groups, similar to Duck Duck Goose, but with water. It can also serve as a way to teach about baptism. Just as water in baptism is a sign of new life and cleansing, this game can remind participants of God’s grace and renewal. The Baptism of the Lord shows us how Jesus was baptized and revealed as God’s Son. When we play this game, we can think about the water of baptism and how it marks us as beloved children of God, washed clean and renewed by His grace.

Water Drop Race

The Water Drop Race is a simple, indoor game that can tie into the theme of baptism, especially for the Baptism of the Lord. Just as Jesus was baptized in the Jordan and marked as God’s beloved Son, water in this game can remind us of our own baptism. The movement of the water drop across the wax paper can symbolize God’s grace gently guiding us through life. Just like in baptism, where we are washed clean and given new life, this game helps us reflect on the power of water as a sign of renewal and God’s loving presence.

You Are My Beloved – Discussion and Reflection Questions

The Baptism of the Lord reveals God’s deep love for Jesus and helps us reflect on our own baptism. In Mark’s Gospel, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and God the Father declares, “You are my cherished son, in whom I am well pleased.” This shows the love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through baptism, we are welcomed into God’s family, cleansed of original sin, and called His beloved children. Just as the Father’s love for Jesus is clear, our baptism is a reminder of God’s enduring love for us, marking us as His own forever.

Baptism Word Search Puzzle

A baptism word search puzzle is a fun way to teach children about the significance of baptism. Use this activity for the Baptism of the Lord, when we remember Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. The word search can include important baptismal words like “water,” “Holy Spirit,” and “grace,” helping children connect these terms to the sacrament. This activity works well in Children’s Liturgy, Vacation Bible School, or Youth Ministry, reinforcing the meaning of baptism as the sacrament that welcomes us into God’s family and marks us as His beloved children, just as Jesus was at His own baptism.

Paper Plate Dove Craft

This paper plate dove craft is a simple and fun activity for all ages, perfect for celebrating the Baptism of the Lord. The dove represents the Holy Spirit, who descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the Jordan River. Children can easily make their own dove, helping them understand this key moment in Jesus’ life. The craft works well for Vacation Bible School or Children’s Liturgy. You can even create a mobile by making several doves or adding other shapes, like fruits or gifts of the Holy Spirit, to teach children about the blessings we receive through baptism.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

2024 is Year B

2025 is Year C
2026 is Year A
2027 is Year B

2028 is Year C
2029 is Year A
2030 is Year B

2031 is Year C
… and so on