Baptism of the Lord
Baptism was the way in which Jesus presented himself to his people at the outset of his mission. By the banks of the Jordan we see him, who was sinless, joining the crowds of sinners, taking his place in the long procession of people who were turning towards God through the pathway of repentance. That marked the beginning of his public ministry and the start of his life as a traveling preacher. By identifying with us he took upon his shoulders the tremendous burden and responsibility of our sins and began gathering all people into the one family of God. It was such an important moment that the Spirit of God took possession of him in a very special way and the heavens rang out with approval: ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’ The Baptism of the Lord was the event to which mankind had been looking forward because it brought God's light into a world of shadows and opened up the possibility of a new relationship for people with their creator. It so intimately united us with Christ that we too can be called God's children.
Today's feast reminds us of our own baptism and presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the implications of leading the life of a Christian. It's a time of special importance because it marks our spiritual birth - the beginning of the Lord reaching down, touching our lives, claiming us for his own and adopting us as his children. Our parents and godparents were speaking on our behalf when they introduced us into God's family as infants - but as adults we have to ratify, act out and personalize that deeply religious decision. Through baptism Jesus introduces himself into our lives with the message that we are free from the debt of original sin, which we inherited from our first parents – that we are restored and reconciled with God whose love is for us. We are now part of his family and can call God our Father.
Belonging to God's family involves obligations to be undertaken and decisions to be made about how we are to lead our lives. By our baptism we are invited to answer Jesus’ call to do good, to follow in his footsteps by being honest in our dealings and kindly in our conversation. This requires strength of character as it often calls upon us to stand apart and be counted. But a committed follower of Christ will lead a worthy life and make the world a better place for his presence. Only when we are doing God’s will are we behaving as beloved sons in whom the Father is pleased.
1. That the church may guide all Christians joined with your Son through baptism, to understand one another better and work together for the salvation of all peoples. Lord, hear us.
2. Let us pray for all baptized Christians, that we may be anointed with the sprit and empowered to live as children of God. Lord, hear us.
3. For all those who will be baptized during the coming year, that they may walk always as children of the light keeping the flame of faith alive in their hearts. Lord, hear us.
4. For the lonely, the poor and the sick that they may know the Good News of Christ's presence in the way we help them. Lord, hear us.
5. May our departed family and friends come to the fullness of eternal life promised them in the sacraments. Lord, hear us.
Almighty God, send your spirit into the hearts of your children that we may remain faithful to our baptismal calling. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
279