BAPTISM OF THE LORDReadings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6,7
Acts 10:34-38Mark 1:7-11
“Baptism is the basis of whole Christian life, the gateway of like in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments” (CCC #1213)
The Baptism of the Lore we celebrated today is the official revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the whole world by God the Father. “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mk 1:11. Christmas is the feast of God’s self revelation to the Jews, Epiphany celebrates God’s revelation to the gentiles and in the Baptism, Christ reveals himself to repentant sinner.
People of Israel have gone astray from God due to disobedience, failed to listen to the word of God from prophets, with arrogance and vengeance dealt with the messengers of God. Today God is speaking to the people of Israel about an ideal servant in whom God delights. He will be filled with the Spirit and will be a light to the nations. A messenger and a servant of God who will establish God’s justice on this earth. (Is 42:3) This spirit filled messenger of God is Jesus himself.
Jesus presents himself for John’s baptism in today’s Gospel, not because he is a sinner, but to fulfill the word of God proclaimed by the prophets. He must be baptized to reveal that he is the Christ (anointed one), the spirit endowed servant. At the Baptism of the Lord, God the Father confirms and reveals the Sonship of Jesus to the creation in a loud voice. “You are my Son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk 1:11) It is significant, it is the “good news” that Jesus hears before his public ministry begins. The Holy Spirit anoints Jesus for his ministry, on that day as he rises from the waters of River Jordan and plunges into proclamation. The Baptism marked his mission. The heavenly voice of the Father is acknowledged by the humanity (Creation), on the cross - “Truly this man was a son of God”. Mk 15:39. (Testimony of Centurion). Therefore, the Baptism of Jesus is very significant because it revealed the identity and the mission of Jesus.
Jesus baptism reminds us of our mission:
- To experience the presence of god within us and to acknowledge our dignity as God’s Children
- To live as children of God in thought, words, and action so that our heavenly father may say - you are my beloved Son and daughter.
- To lead and holy and transparent Christian life by practicing the virtues of compassion justice peace and love.
- To grow daily in intimacy with God by personal and family prayers and frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- To be co-creators with God in building up the Kingdom of God on earth.
St. Louis Marie Montfort was keen on the renewal of Baptismal promises in all his missions to rejuvenate the sense of relationship between God and us. Even though most of us were baptized when we were infants yet the grace and power of it remains throughout our lives. A constant renewal of the same will enlighten our faith.
Let us never forget that we are “Beloved Sons and daughters of God.”
Fr. Francis Bulipee SMM