The Daily Office for September 25, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
The baptism of Christ cited in our Gospel reading today was totally unique. It did not signify what John’s baptism of repentance did, because Jesus had no sin of which to repent. Jesus’ explanation was that it might “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). It no doubt marks the beginning of Christ’s public ministry and probably pictures for Christ a pledge of His future death, burial, and resurrection for the sin of the world.
In verse 22, as in other places (the Great Commission, certain benedictions, 2 Corinthians 13:14, etc.), all the persons of the Godhead are mentioned together and distinguished from one another. On two other occasions, the transfiguration and the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, God the Father similarly testified audibly regarding Christ. But here, perhaps most beautifully, the Divine mystery of the Trinity is most beautifully expressed.
Collect for the Day
Lord God, who gave to Lancelot Andrewes many gifts of your Holy Spirit, making him a man of prayer and a pastor of your people: perfect in us that which is lacking in your gifts, of faith, to increase it, of hope, to establish it, of love, to kindle it, that we may live in the light of your grace and glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.