BAPTISM OF THE LORD Year C
The baptism of the Lord marks the end of the liturgical season of Christmas. Tomorrow, we begin the season of the year. We stand at a crossroad, at a turning of the path. Jesus’ baptism by John was a moment of identification with sinners. Jesus received the baptism of repentance to identify himself with his people who realized they were sinners. (St. Teresa of Calcutta, Gandhi and Mandela identified with the people whom they served).
Jesus’ baptism was a moment of God’s affirmation of His identity and mission: that He is the Son of God and His mission to preach the Good News of God’s love and salvation and to atone for our sins by becoming the “suffering servant” God the Father’s words, “This is my beloved Son, “Confirmed Jesus’ identity as God’s Son, and the words “with whom I am well pleased,” Pointed to Jesus’ mission of atoning for the sins of the world by His Suffering and death on the cross.
It was a moment of equipment. The Holy Spirit equipped Jesus by descending on him in the form of a dove, giving him the power of preaching and healing. It was a moment of decision to begin public ministry at the most opportune time after receiving the approval of his Heavenly Father as His beloved Son.
The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our identity. It reminds us of who we are and Whose we are. By Baptism we become sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus, members of his Church, heirs of heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ baptism reminds us also of our mission: a) to experience the presence of God within us, to acknowledge our own dignity as God’s children, and to appreciate the Divine Presence in others by honoring them, loving them and serving them in all humility. It is a day to thank God for the graces we have received in Baptism, to renew our Baptismal promises and to preach Christ’s “Good News” by our transparent Christian lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness.
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director