The Baptism of the Lord
January 12, 2025 — Year C
Readings: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 / Ps 29 / Acts 10:34-38 / Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor

The Baptism of the Lord is a profound moment in the life of Christ and the Church.  Today we celebrate not only Jesus’ baptism, but also the revelation of His identity and His mission.  It is a reminder of our own baptism, where we, too, are given a new identity and mission as beloved children of God.  The words of the Father at Jesus’ baptism, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased,” resonate deeply as the cornerstone of today’s reflection.

The prophet Isaiah, in our first reading, speaks of comfort, hope, and renewal for the people of Israel.  He proclaims the coming of the Lord, whose glory will be revealed for all to see.  The imagery of valleys being lifted and mountains laid low signifies that nothing will stand in the way of God’s salvation.  This passage sets the stage for the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, the One who comes to shepherd His people with tenderness and strength.

In the second reading, St. Paul emphasizes the grace of God, who brings salvation to all.  This grace teaches us to live lives of holiness, and points to the mercy of God revealed through Jesus Christ.  Through baptism, we are reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit, becoming heirs of eternal life.  This transformation connects directly to Christ’s baptism, when the Spirit descended upon Him, symbolizing His mission to bring salvation to humanity.

In today’s gospel, John the Baptist prepares the way for the Messiah, emphasizing the greatness of the One who will come after him.  When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.”  This moment marks the revelation of Jesus’ divine identity, and His mission to redeem humanity.

The readings converge in terms of revelation, transformation, and mission.  Isaiah foretells the coming of the Lord’s glory.  Paul explains how God’s grace transforms us into His children.  Luke recounts the moment when Jesus’ divine identity is revealed at His baptism.  These messages remind us that baptism is not just a ritual, but a profound encounter with God’s grace, revealing our identity as His beloved children, and our mission to live as disciples.

Last Sunday’s Epiphany celebrated the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, through the visit of the Magi, revealing Him as the light of the world.  Today’s feast continues this revelation, focusing on Jesus’ identity as the beloved Son of God, and the start of His public ministry.  Both feasts highlight how Jesus is revealed as the savior for all humanity.

When Jesus stepped into the Jordan River, He didn’t do so for His own sake.  He was sinless and had no need for baptism.  Yet, He chose to be baptized for our sake.  By entering those waters, He sanctified them, transforming baptism as the gateway to grace and salvation.  At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended, and the Father’s voice declared, “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.    This moment was not only an affirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, but also the beginning of His mission.  Anointed by the Spirit, He would go on to preach, heal, and ultimately redeem humanity through His death and resurrection.

Anointing isn’t just a holy function; it is a declaration.  It revealed that He was the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ.  One is anointed to be a priest, a prophet, and a king.  That’s exactly who Jesus is forever.  He’s the great high priest, the greatest of all prophets, the eternal king.  From His baptism, He went into the wilderness to battle Satan.  Moved by the power of the Holy Spirit, He fulfilled His mission.  The Father declared over Him, “You are my beloved Son.”  Baptism revealed Jesus’ identity and mission.  His identity is that He’s the beloved Son, the Christ, the Anointed One, the priest, prophet, and king.  His mission was also revealed.

For us, baptism is more than an entry into the Church.  It is a moment when God declares over each of us, “You are my beloved son,” or “You are my beloved daughter.”  Through baptism, we receive a new identity as children of God, and are entrusted with a mission.  As baptized Christians, we are not only given a new identity as beloved children of God, but also entrusted with tasks and responsibilities toward our brothers, sisters, and community.  Baptism calls us to live in service, love, and solidarity, following the example of Christ.  We are called to foster unity and understanding among those around us.  St. Paul reminds, in his letters, that we are one body in Christ.  Our mission, as baptized Christians, is to tear down barriers of division, and build bridges of reconciliation.

Jesus’ mission often focused on the marginalized and downtrodden.  As His followers, we must show compassion and care for those in need, whether through acts of charity, advocacy, or simply offering a listening ear and a loving heart.  Like Jesus, who began His public ministry after His baptism, we are tasked with sharing the good news.  This doesn’t always mean preaching from a pulpit.  It can mean living a life that radiates Christ’s love, joy, and hope in our daily interactions.

St. Maximillian Kolbe, a modern martyr and profound witness to Christ’s love, once said, “Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving.  Without sacrifice, there is no love.”  Our baptism calls us to this sacrificial love; to give ourselves for the good of others.  St. Maximillian Kolbe embodied this love when he gave his life to save a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz.

While most of us will not face such extreme circumstances, we are called to make daily sacrifices for the good of our families, communities, and even strangers.  Our baptism not only affirms our identity as God’s beloved children but also calls us to action.  Just as Christ’s baptism began His mission, ours commissions us to live out our faith in practical, sacrificial love for our brothers and sisters.

Today, let us hear again the words spoken over Jesus and know that they are meant for us: “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.”  Let this truth guide us and guide our lives.  In moments of doubt and struggle, remember that we are God’s beloved children.  May this identity inspire us to live out our mission with courage, faith, and love, as Jesus did.