Daily Catholic Reflection: January 10, 2021, The Baptism of the Lord, Year B

Isaiah 55:1-11,

PSALM Isaiah 12:2-3.4,

1 John 5:1-9,

Mark 1:7-11 Full Readings

Saint Gregory of Nyssa

 The Baptism of Jesus

Brethren, today we celebrate the feast day of the Baptism of Jesus. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord concludes the Christmas Season and transitions us into the beginning of Ordinary Time, an invitation to move and act with Jesus in his public ministry. From a Scriptural point of view, this event in Jesus’ life is also a transitional moment from His hidden life in Nazareth to the beginning of His public ministry. As we commemorate this glorious event, it’s important to ponder on some simple yet profound questions: why was Jesus baptized? Recall that John’s baptism was one of repentance, an act by which he invited his followers to turn from sin and to turn to God. But Jesus was sinless, so what was the reason for His Baptism? What is the significance of his baptism to me? What is the invitation to me on this day of Jesus' Baptism?

Brethren, the scripture, says that Jesus was baptized to fulfil righteousness (Matthew 3:15). What is this righteousness? It's God's righteousness of saving humanity from all bonds of sin. Jesus was baptised to identify himself with us sinners yet he was not a sinner, it was out of his humility and love to save humanity. Only a person who had tasted humanity in all its aspects except sin would save humanity. It was therefore for our sake that Jesus Christ was baptized. 

Jesus' Baptism commenced his public ministry, it was an inauguration of the ministry of Jesus as he was anointed by the Holy Spirit who was to help him throughout his ministry and even continue the mission after his ascension. The Spirit descended on him like a dove as he woke up from the water and later led him to the desert for preparing his ministry.  Brethren, we too, at Baptism, receive the same Spirit who enables us to participate in the mission of Jesus. On this feast day, are you ready to move with Jesus throughout his public life pondering on his teachings and miracles and applying them to your life and in serving others? 

The voice came down from heaven saying, "this is my beloved son with whom am well pleased." This was a confirmation of the divinity of Jesus, it was not that Jesus was adopted as a son at his baptism but it was a confirmation to the public  that Jesus is God's son who existed with him from the beginning. The significance of this is very fundamental to us as Christians. God is well pleased with his Son because Jesus freely accepted to come into the world to save humanity. Jesus saved humanity through his life, death and resurrection and therefore, the word “Beloved” comes with suffering. Jesus himself says that there is another he had to undergo (Luke 12:50) and that was a baptism of blood. From his Baptism, Jesus knew that he had to suffer in order to complete his mission. 

Brethren, when we are baptised, we also promise and declare to ourselves and others to undergo both Baptisms. Jesus' Baptism in water gave water new life and blessed it that us who will be baptized may gain adoption as children of God but also be witnesses to his mission, for in baptism we die to sin with Christ and rise with him. Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390 AD), an early church father tells us: "Let us be buried with Christ by Baptism to rise with him; let us go down with him to be raised with him; and let us rise with him to be glorified with him." And therefore, we are invited today, to renew our baptismal promises and become new again with Christ as we enter into the public ministry of Christ.

On this last day of the Christmas season, (and on the Baptism of the Lord), promise the Lord that you won’t become proud and forget Him as did the Israelites. Keep your promise by letting Jesus “baptize you in the Holy Spirit” (Mk 1:8). Each day, “seek the Lord” and “listen to” Jesus (Is 55:6; Lk 9:35). Live the “radical newness” of your baptismal life (Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful People, Pope St. John Paul II, 10). Christ wants to use you to be salt and light of the world. Are you ready and prepared? 

Let us Pray

Lord help me conform my Baptism to yours, which tells me that being baptized is to die and rise with you and to be sent to proclaim your Gospel to everyone. May this truth help me spread the gospel at any cost even if it is to give up my life. I renew my baptismal promises and ask for you grace to live a life pleasing to you. Amen

Be blessed