In the Gospel of Saint Luke we read that «the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins» (3:2-3). Here, at the River Jordan, where both banks are visited by hosts of pilgrims honouring the Baptism of the Lord, I too lift up my heart in prayer:
Glory to you, O Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! You sent your servants the Prophets to speak your word of faithful love and call your people to repentance. On the banks of the River Jordan, you raised up John the Baptist, a voice crying in the wilderness, sent through all the region of the Jordan to prepare the way of the Lord, to herald the coming of Jesus.
Glory to you, O Christ, Son of God! To the waters of the Jordan you came to be baptized by the hand of John. Upon you the Spirit descended as a dove. Above you the heavens opened, and the voice of the Father was heard: «This is my Son, the Beloved!» From the river blessed by your presence you went forth to baptize not only with water but with fire and the Holy Spirit.
Glory to you, O Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of life! By your power, the Church is baptized, going down with Christ into death and rising with him to new life. By your power, we are set free from sin to become the children of God, the glorious Body of Christ. By your power, all fear is vanquished, and the Gospel of love is preached in every corner of the earth, to the glory of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, to whom be all praise in this Jubilee year and in every age to come. Amen. (Original Text)
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome