Rejoice and Be Glad! Baptism of the Lord

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Fr. Mark Toups reflects on how this moment marks both the close of the Christmas season and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He reminds us that most of Jesus’ life was lived in the hidden, ordinary years—and that holiness is found not only in great moments but in the everyday. With practical wisdom and prayer, Fr. Toups invites us to enter ordinary time with purpose, a plan, and perseverance, so we may grow closer to God throughout the year.

How do you feel about stepping into “ordinary time” after the intensity of the Christmas season, and where might God be inviting you to meet Him in the ordinary?When you think about Jesus spending 30 hidden years in Nazareth before His public ministry, how does that shape the way you view the hidden or ordinary seasons of your own life?Which of the three “P’s”—purposeful, plan, or perseverance—do you most need to strengthen right now in your spiritual journey?If you trusted that God truly longs to bless your senses, your daily life, and your ordinary routines, how might that change the way you live this week?

EP1

Rejoice and Be Glad! Christmas9 min

EP2

Rejoice and Be Glad! Holy Family10 min

EP3

Rejoice and Be Glad! Epiphany13 min

EP4

Rejoice and Be Glad! Baptism of the Lord9 min