Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Today, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, a momentous event that marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. In the Gospel of Matthew, we witness a powerful scene at the Jordan River, where Jesus approaches John the Baptist to be baptized. This moment invites us to reflect deeply on our own baptism and the significance of Christ’s example.
As Jesus steps into the water, He demonstrates an essential truth: He who is sinless and perfect chose to undergo a ritual meant for the repentance of sin. By doing so, He immersed Himself in our human condition, sharing in our struggles and our need for redemption. Jesus did not need baptism for Himself; rather, He initiated it for us, showing us the path of humility and service.
What does this teach us? Firstly, it reaffirms the importance of baptism in our lives. Baptism is not merely a rite of passage; it is a profound encounter with God’s grace. In our own baptism, we are united with Christ, marked as His own, and welcomed into the family of God. Just as Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit during His baptism, we too receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live out our Christian vocation.
Secondly, the voice from heaven that declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” calls us to recognize our identity as beloved children of God. Each of us is created in God’s image and likeness, called to embody His love and compassion in the world. This affirmation should inspire us to live out our baptismal promises, to act with integrity, and to be witnesses of Christ’s love in our daily lives.
Furthermore, the Baptism of the Lord serves as a reminder of our call to humility. Jesus, despite his divine nature, humbled Himself to stand in line with sinners. In a world often driven by pride and ambition, we are called to emulate His example, to serve others selflessly, and to approach our spiritual journeys with humility and openness.
As we leave this celebration today, let us reflect on our own baptism. How are we living out our call as God’s beloved sons and daughters? Are we embracing our identity as Christians with joy and courage? Do we seek to bring the light of Christ into our homes, our communities, and the world?
Let us pray for the grace to remember and honour our baptism daily. May we, like Jesus, embrace humility and live out our call to love and serve others, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill our purpose as beloved children of God.
May God bless you all this day and always. Amen.
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you
And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16.21-22
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all,
‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire’
Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove and a voice came from heaven,
You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.