The Baptism of Jesus - Making it Clear

In the Books of the Tannach – the ones we call the Old Testament – God never seems to stop talking! Yet, in the Gospels, the Abba of Jesus only speaks twice, with only one sentiment, "This is my Beloved Son, listen to Him". Jesus Baptism and Transfiguration make His identity (Beloved Son) and His mission (Bringer of Good News) crystal clear. Yet, after His Baptism, the Holy Spirit drives Him into the desert where he must reject a false understanding of what it means to be the Beloved Son of God.

The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke comment on the problem of Jesus asking for John’s Baptism of Repentance for the forgiveness of sins. For Matthew, Jesus Baptism creates an unbroken relationship with those He will have to seek out, especially those who will make Him suffer. Mark and Luke, have John simply fulfil his lesser role and stay in it.

Perhaps this Feast provides a wonderful moment for each of us to reflect on the meaning of our own Baptism. What does it mean to us that those who loved us brought us to this community? What does it mean to us to have been enrolled in the school of Love? What does it mean to us to know that we are eternally held by the Love which is our Life? What does it mean to us to be Blessed, Forgiven and Sealed with the Fire of the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to us to have been robed in Light and to discover, over time, that this Light never fails? And how does all of this shape the story we tell about ourselves and empower our commitment to bringing God’s Dream into reality?

At a recent post baptismal 'do', Champagne was spilled into glasses. The little girl’s father raised his glass to the guests and said, " To my little girl, and to all of you who love her so much. Be good to her as she grows up!" Her mother raised her glass and added, "And for the world. Let's make it a place where every child can grow up in safety and peace!"

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