The Gospel for this First Sunday after Epiphany, Luke 3:15-22, points to one of the oldest themes of Epiphany. That theme is the epiphany or manifestation of divine glory when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan. Luke tells us, "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22 KJV).
This event involves all three Persons of the Holy Trinity. By coming to John to be baptized, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and shows His dedication to His ministry. Jesus needs no purification, but He does receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on His human nature as He began His public ministry. And the heavenly voice acknowledges Him as the Son of God. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ. It points ahead to His whole public ministry and work for human salvation. It also calls us to respond to Christ in faith.
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