The Baptism of the Lord ‘A’

The Baptism of Jesus marks a key moment in the story of His life. All four Gospels describe this  event not only as the start of Jesus’ public ministry but also as the moment when God reveals  Himself as Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

In today’s First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah describes the unique character of God’s chosen  servant - the Messiah. Isaiah tells us that God delights in this servant, Who will bring a new kind  of justice and peace to the world. Unlike other leaders who may rule by force, God’s servant,  filled with the Holy Spirit, will act with kindness and compassion. He comes not only for one  group of people, but for all nations, inviting everyone into a renewed relationship with God, a  change that starts on the inside, in the heart. 

The Second Reading, from Acts, shows Peter explaining all this to Cornelius, a Roman official  who was not Jewish. Peter says that God doesn’t play favorites: “In every nation, anyone who  respects God and does what is right is accepted by him.” God’s love and salvation are for  everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from. Peter explains that the ministry of  Jesus began with His Baptism, when God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit, empowering Him  to do good and bring healing. 

The Gospel reading takes us to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist at first hesitates to  baptize Jesus, knowing Jesus is truly holy. Yet Jesus insists, wanting to fulfill God’s plan. As  Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens open: the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove,  and God’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” The dove, a  symbol of peace and gentleness in Jewish tradition, represents the Holy Spirit Who anoints  Jesus for His mission, to bring God’s love, healing, and forgiveness to the world. 

Jesus’ Baptism is different from ours because He had no sin. Instead, by being baptized, Jesus  shows us the way forward: He humbly chooses to stand with us, sharing in our humanity, and  offering Himself fully to God’s will, even when that will leads Him to the cross. His Baptism is a  sign of what He came to do: live, die, and rise again, so we can share new life with God. 

Our own baptism connects us to this same promise. Being baptized means being invited into  God’s family, sharing in His mission, and being changed from the inside out. It calls us to love,  to forgive, and to work for justice and peace like Jesus did. 

That’s why Christian parents bring their children to baptism it’s about giving them the fullness of  life that only God can offer. It’s a statement that their life is rooted in God’s love and that their  future is open to hope, healing, and purpose.

As we reflect on Jesus’ Baptism, let us remember we are all called and sent on a mission. God’s  love, mercy, and support are reaching out to us every day, no matter our history or mistakes. He  calls both saints and sinners to walk with Him, to say yes to His invitation, and to help bring His  love to the world. 

Let us renew our own baptismal promises. Let us accept our calling, trusting that God gives us  the strength, compassion, and guidance we need. His love is never limited, never runs out, and  is always there for us to draw on, every moment of our lives. 

Let us answer God’s call with grateful hearts and be Christ’s presence in the world.