Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It might seem strange: why would Jesus, the sinless Son of God, need baptism? He d...
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It might seem strange: why would Jesus, the sinless Son of God, need baptism? He didn't need to be cleansed. He stood in the muddy waters of the Jordan to stand in solidarity with us. He stepped into the water to sanctify it for us. This feast invites us to remember our own baptism. It wasn't just a ceremony done to us as babies; it was the moment we were incorporated into Christ's body. It is the defining mark of our souls.
As Jesus prayed after His baptism, the heavens opened and the Father spoke: "You are my Beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Before Jesus preached a single sermon, before He healed a blind man, before He did any "work," He was already the Beloved. This is crucial for our mental and spiritual health. You are not defined by your productivity, your bank account, or your successes. You are defined by God's love for you. You are His beloved child. Nothing you do can make Him love you more, and nothing you do can make Him love you less.
Finally, this event marks a Beginning. The Gospel tells us Jesus was about thirty years old. The hidden years at Nazareth are over; the public ministry begins. The Christmas season ends today, and we enter Ordinary Time—but it is not "ordinary" in the sense of boring. It is the time of ordered growth and mission. We are sent out from the manger to the marketplace. Our baptism is our commissioning.
Challenge: Do you know the date of your baptism? If not, try to find out. Celebrate it as your spiritual birthday. Remember today that you are "Beloved" and let that truth give you confidence for the week ahead.
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