FEAST OF BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Is 42:1-4.6-7; Ps 28
Acts 10:34-38; Mtt 3:13-17
BAPTISM EMPOWERS
The celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, brings the season of Christmas to an end, and begins the ordinary season.
We must note that the baptism of Jesus is also an epiphany because at his baptism he was revealed to us as the Son of God.
Every society and group have their own rites of purification and initiation. At the time of Jesus, the Pharisees and other groups also had their own rites of purification and initiation. This makes John’s activity special or different.
John’s baptism was not an initiation into any special group, it was a call to make a personal commitment to repent. His was a rite of repentance. You must be convinced and take a personal step to receive this rite of newness. John demanded from those who came to receive this baptism, a concrete change of life by producing “good fruits as evidence of your repentance” (Matt. 3:8). That is why he was surprised Jesus came for the baptism. What was Jesus repenting from? It is important then, to consider the reason why Jesus submitted himself to baptism and what that means for us.
Jesus submitted himself to John’s baptism to give him credibility and to support his vocation. By associating himself to John’s baptism, gave some authenticity to John’s vocation. This means that we must all support and encourage one another in our vocations and endeavors. It is Christian to support and encourage others on a good course. Throughout scripture those who are full of support and encouragement to others seem to have a special mention and recognition.
Secondly, that anyone who embraces this new faith must be willing to repent and be born anew by God’s spirit. It demands a conscious response to the call of repentance. We must concretely change our ways. What would John be demanding of you today?
Thirdly, Jesus’ baptism was another manifestation. In his baptism, God declared him as his beloved. In our own baptism we too become adopted sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus. This is our true identity. Children of God. I am not what I do or what I have achieved, but what God has made me in Christ Jesus; a child of God.
The baptism of Jesus was a moment of empowerment for him. When we continue the reading from Matthew’s gospel, we notice that after baptism, Jesus began his public ministry.
From the moment of his baptism;
He overcame the temptations of the devil.
He preached the good news.
He dealt with satanic influence on the people.
He broke them from every bondage of the forces of darkness.
He healed the infirmed and the afflicted.
We too have been empowered in baptism. In fact, the greatest empowerment anyone can receive is baptism. In baptism you are free from the powers of the devil and have become a child of God. You are empowered to live your new life with audacity. You too can pray for the sick, preach the good news and cast out the powers of darkness.
May God renew the grace of baptism in each one of us.
By Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
