The Baptism of the Lord, 1/9

Today is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our own baptism. It is not something that only happened a long time - it is the beginning of a lifelong journey, even long after our time on earth. In this gospel, we are reminded of the power behind baptism. Sometimes baptism just feels routine — a baby is born, you baptize it. It’s what we “do” as Christians. But this gospel reading really shows us what happens during baptism. Luke describes the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus – a visual we all need to keep in mind whenever the sacrament of baptism occurs. This too occurs when we are baptized. From heaven, God says, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased.” Of course, the purpose of this gospel reading is to make it abundantly clear that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. God literally speaks it from the heavens! But let’s also think of our own baptism, in which God claims us too as His beloved children made to be with Him for all eternity. 

The concluding verse from this Sunday’s Gospel, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” is spoken by God the Father, directed towards Jesus. But His words continue to ring out within ourselves. We too are His beloved sons and daughters. How easy it is to sometimes forget the love of the Father that is bestowed upon us. It’s easy to get caught up in viewing God the Father as a distant figure or that baptism is just a formality rather than a profound act of love.

This verse is a clear reminder of God’s love for each and every one of us. “You are my beloved.” Let this verse ring out within us always. Let us remember the power of our baptism when God claimed us as His own. May never forget the unconditional love of the Father who has created us and willed us to be with Him for eternity.