Commentary Intro to Mass Readings for Sunday
CommentaryIntro to Mass Readings for Sunday
January 11, 2026
January 11, 2026
Baptism of the Lord (A)
This reading introduces the first of the four “Suffering Servant” songs. Though the selected verses omit the servant’s physical suffering, they emphasize a divine mission rooted in God’s deep love. The servant—representing either an individual or the nation of Israel—is chosen and sustained by the Lord to bring mishpat (justice) to all people. Key signs of this ministry include restoring sight to the blind and liberating those imprisoned by sin. Ultimately, the servant acts as a beret (covenant), prefiguring the New Testament command to love and forgive others as a reflection of God’s mercy.

Larry Broding
WORD-SUNDAY.COM
Seeing Beyond Our Limitations
by Larry Broding
How does a relationship with God help you see beyond your world? How does God help you see the possibilities? How does faith in Christ help lift you, to change you?
In this passage, Second Isaiah introduced the “Suffering Servant,” the person who would lead the people like King David. Notice the servant was chosen by God; he was given God’s Spirit, so he would bring justice to everyone, Jew and foreigner alike. [1]. For the society of the time, the servant would be counter-cultural; he would not be interested in fame or power. But his rule would be gentle but would be sure. [2-3] His rule would precede his teaching to the coastal lands, areas west (the Mediterranean world) and south (along the Red Sea). [4]


In this passage, Peter preaches to the centurion Cornelius, a pious man whose household becomes the first non-Jewish group to receive the Holy Spirit. Peter delivers the kerygma, the foundational proclamation of the faith, announcing that Jesus is the Lord of all who brings peace and freedom from the bondage of sin. The text highlights that Jesus’ ministry began with John’s baptism, where God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power. This divine anointing serves as the definitive sign to Cornelius and the world that Jesus is the chosen Servant of God.

Larry Broding
WORD-SUNDAY.COM
Why Does God Accept Us?
by Larry Broding
Look at the image of Jesus. What does that image tell you about God and his intentions? Do you feel love and accepted by God when you look upon the face of Jesus? Explain.
Why did God accept us? Because he wanted to show us his face in the person of his Son, Jesus the Christ. When we see God’s face in Jesus, we truly know that he accepts us and loves us. We are his.


Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism addresses two major controversies: the relationship between John and Jesus, and why a sinless Jesus sought baptism. Matthew clarifies that Jesus is the preeminent Messiah, not John, and suggests Jesus’ baptism was a symbolic act of solidarity with sinners. Rather than focusing on the ritual itself, Matthew emphasizes the aftermath: the heavens opening and the Father’s voice declaring, “This is my beloved Son.” This moment inaugurates the Messianic era, certifying Jesus’ mission and confirming His divine identity as He begins His public ministry to redeem humanity from the burden of sin.

Larry Broding
WORD-SUNDAY.COM
A Public Act
by Larry Broding
How do you prepare to step out into the public spotlight? How do you act once you are out in public view?
Parties and performances are the usual ways individuals are introduced into public view. Once in the public’s eye, people are expected to perform certain rituals with ease, whether it’s small talk or demonstrating a sports talent or a musical ability.
How is one introduced to a public ministry? What ritual would prepare the person for the public eye? What activities would prepare the public for a new minister? In the case of Jesus, the ritual was John’s baptism.



Infographics were created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They draw inspiration from the commentary above from Agape Bible Study, but are not officially associated with or endorsed by Michal Elizabeth Hunt. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. All works on the Agape Bible Study were licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
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DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT (PDF) | LATEST HOMILIES
TWTW infographics below were created using core concepts in the video above.





Non-profits are welcome to utilize the provided graphics in their materials and presentations. Please acknowledge Fr. Geoffrey Plant, and his website, sundayhomilies.au. The graphics were designed by TheWordThisWeek.net using Gemini Pro 3 and Nano Banana. Proper attribution is appreciated.









KEITH NESTER – Unpacking the Mass
TWTW infographics below were created using core concepts in the video above.






Non-profits are welcome to utilize the provided graphics in their materials and presentations. Please acknowledge Keith Nester. The graphics were designed by TheWordThisWeek.net using Gemini Pro 3 and Nano Banana. Proper attribution is appreciated.













