(2025)
ISAIAH 42: 1-4, 6-7
PSALM 28: 1-4, 9-10 R. v. 11
ACTS 10: 34-38
MATTHEW 3: 13-17
Last month we witnessed the darkness of the Bondi massacre. The terrorist would say that this was their calling from God.
In contrast Jesus reveals the true calling of God.
Today as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we are celebrating the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. As soon as Jesus is baptized, a voice speaks from heaven, “This is my Son, the beloved, My favour rests on him.”
God’s favour rests on him because in his humanity, he does the will of the Father.
And in so doing he reveals the nature of the Son and the love of God. The Son always does the will of the Father, because the Father lives in the Son. In his baptism, Jesus is not claiming the right of his divinity but submitting to his humanity.
And in the second reading, Peter explains the consequence of this: “God had anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him. And Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.” Peter is attributing all Jesus actions in his humanity to the Holy Spirit who lives in him.
This is also prophesied by Isaiah in the first reading where the prophet speaks of the righteous one whom we identify with Jesus.
Today as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, we are celebrating the depth and meaning of our own baptism. Jesus did not have to be baptised for he was without sin, but he was baptised because he lived and was affected by the sins of the world. He carried our sins for us. He wanted to identify himself with our human journey on earth.
And through his baptism we find the meaning of our own baptism. Jesus found favour with the Father because he was obedient to the will of the Father. Jesus always sought the will of God through prayer. Jesus gave his life for God and for us.
Our baptism is a gift to us from God. It remains only a gift unless it is used.
Through our baptism we are invited to become what God has meant us to become, an image of Christ, His Son through the Holy Spirit.
Through the Holy Spirit, this becomes a reality when we like Jesus are willing to live a life in obedience with the will of God.
This becomes a reality when it is a life of love for God and neighbour.
This becomes a reality when we are ready to give witness to God through our faith in Him.
This becomes a reality when we are ready to bring healing and hope to others.
This becomes a reality when we are willing to forgive from our cross.
Our baptism is a call to live a life that we as humans were meant to be. Created in the image of God, we can only find meaning in living a life founded on God’s love.
Merredin Catholic Parish 