The Baptism of the Lord

Is. 40: 1-5, 9-11; Psalm 103; Tt. 2: 11-14, 3: 4-7; Lk. 3: 15- 16, 21-22

Read: A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people who were beginning to wonder whether John might be the Christ. So, John declared before all of them: “I baptise you with water, but someone is coming who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” It so happened that, after the entire population was baptised, Jesus was also baptised and, whilst he was praying, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical form, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven “You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.”

Reflect: Did you know that at your baptism, the Father tells you the very same words that He was heard telling Jesus? “You are my son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.” This is because through our baptism we become a new creation; we cloth ourselves with Christ and we become children of God! Baptism gives us a new life; that is why we are baptised with water, a sign of something that cleans but, more importantly, that gives life; a life by the grace of God.

This dignity of becoming children of God brings with it also the mission that we are to carry out in the world; we become servants of God amongst our brethren. We are in duty bound to listen to the Word of God and to let this work within us, so that then we pass this on to others. Our life and the world we live in were blessed by the Son of God; however, we have to carry out our mission by bringing nearer or offering ourselves and all creation the creator who is God.  

Pray: “Whist he was praying”. Jesus’s prayer becomes commonplace as from the time that his Father speaks to him and confirms who he is. Let us also pray: Father, notwithstanding our limitations, let us be worthy of remaining your delight, your worthy children, your beloved. Also let your Son Jesus be our delight, our treasure, the wealth of our heart.

Act: Live your baptism; so that in your regard the Father may be able to say: “This is my beloved son in whom I have found favour.”