Friends, today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This feast marks the definitive end of the Christmas season and the beginning of ordinary time. Brothers and sisters, today’s celebration recalls the history of the Lord’s baptism. In a special way, it reminds us of the importance of the sacrament of baptism in our lives as Christians. This event reveals Jesus’ humility, marks the start of his mission, and shows the Trinity. By looking at Jesus’ baptism, we can understand more about our baptism and the call to serve and love others. Lord, thank you for the gift of baptism. Help us to follow Jesus’ example of love and service. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we can bring hope and kindness to others.
Friends, in the first reading from Isaiah, God presents his Son as the chosen and anointed one. Isaiah puts it this way; “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit…” This is a Messianic prophesy. This prophecy prefigures the baptism of Christ, the anointed Son of God. Of course, it was fulfilled in the gospel at Christ’s’ baptism in the New Testament. Through his baptism, Christ was anointed and prepared for his earthly ministry.
Friends, Jesus, though sinless, chose to be baptized by John the Baptist, who called people to repent. Why did Jesus, who did not need to repent, decide to be baptized? Brothers and sisters, Jesus wanted to show his support and understanding for us. He wanted to share in our humanity and weaknesses. By being baptized, Jesus stood with those who were seeking forgiveness and a new start. He showed that he was not distant from us but very close, sharing in our struggles. Jesus’ baptism was a way to begin his mission. It was a public sign that he was ready to do God’s work. The heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” This showed that Jesus was chosen by God for a special purpose. Through Jesus’ baptism, we see how much God loves us. Jesus showed that he is with us in our joys and our difficulties. He came to save us and to show us the way to God. By being baptized, Jesus showed that he was one of us, sharing in everything we go through.
Friends, Jesus’ baptism prepared him to spread the good news, heal broken hearts, and set people free. He was ready to do God’s work and to show God’s love to everyone. Jesus cared for people like a shepherd cares for sheep. He was gentle, kind, and always ready to help those in need. Brothers and sisters, when we think about Jesus’ baptism, we should also think about our baptism. Our baptism prepares us to share in the work of Jesus. We are called to care for one another, to help those in need, to show mercy and love, and to guide others toward God’s goodness. Baptism makes us part of God’s family and gives us a mission to share God’s love with others. Just as Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are also given the strength to do good in our lives. We can bring hope to those who are sad, help those who are struggling, and show kindness to everyone we meet. Through our actions, we can show the love of God in the world.
Friends, in the Baptism of the Lord, we see a special moment where the Trinity is revealed. The baptism of Jesus shows us the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This gives us a glimpse into the Trinitarian nature of God. As Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove. At the same time, a voice from heaven speaks, saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” Here, we see the Father speaking from heaven, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending. This moment shows us how the three Persons of the Trinity are present and working together. This scene helps us understand that God is a community of love. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are united and share in the work of salvation. Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his mission to bring God’s love to the world. The Holy Spirit empowers him, and the Father’s voice affirms him.
Friends, when we think about the Trinity revealed at Jesus’ baptism, we are reminded that our baptism also connects us to this loving relationship. We are invited to share in the life of the Trinity and to spread God’s love to others. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united in love and mission, we are called to live in love and to serve others in our daily lives. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Joyful Celebration of Baptism of the Lord Year C
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
