On the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel marks a turning point - not only in the life of Jesus, but in the history of salvation. Matthew tells us that after John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus withdraws to Galilee and begins His public ministry. Jesus goes to Galilee, a region considered insignificant and even suspect by many in Judea. it was called "Galilee of the Gentiles" a place of mixed cultures, imperfect religious observance and people living on the margins. Yet Matthew reminds us that this is exactly where the prophet Isaiah said the light would shine: "The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light."

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday in ordinary time. Through the Gospel the Church invites us to stand beside John the Baptist at the Jordan River and to hear words that have echoed through Christian prayer for two thousand years; "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

These words are so familiar to us that we hear them almost automatically at every Mass. But today's Gospel asks us to slow down and truly listen to them again - to hear them not just as liturgical words but as a revelation of who Jesus is and why He has come.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a beautiful and profound moment in the life of Jesus and in the life of the church. This feast marks a transition. It brings the Christmas season to its conclusion and begins the public ministry of Jesus. The child who was born quietly in Bethlehem now steps into the public eye, revealing who He truly is and what His mission will be. At first glance, the baptism of Jesus can seem puzzling. John the Baptist was offering a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, yet Jesus is sinless.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. The word epiphany means manifestation - a revealing. On this day, Christ is revealed not only to Israel but to the whole world. The Magi, foreigners and seekers from distant lands, represent all nations who are drawn to the light of Christ.