Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 12, 2025

Date: Baptism of the Lord

Scripture Text: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Beloved:

The grace of God has appeared, saving all

and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires

and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,

as we await the blessed hope,

the appearance of the glory of our great God

and savior Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness

and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,

eager to do what is good.

When the kindness and generous love

of God our savior appeared,

not because of any righteous deeds we had done

but because of his mercy,

He saved us through the bath of rebirth

and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

whom he richly poured out on us

through Jesus Christ our savior,

so that we might be justified by his grace

and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The second reading on this day when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is taken from Paul’s Letter to Titus and underscores the Christian hope in Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that this blessed hope comes not because of what we have done but rather because of our LORD’s love for us “poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How hopeful am I? How would others know? What signs do I give of my hope?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we lift our voices in praise of You and thanksgiving to You for the gift of your beloved and only-begotten Son whom You sent to us as our brother to dwell among us and to save us from our sins and to conquer death. Send your Spirit to stir within us, to open us more wholly to your love and the love of Christ who selflessly sacrificed Himself for us and our salvation. As we await Christ’s return, anchor us in hope. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.