FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7/PS. 103:1-4,24-30/Acts 10:34-38/ Matthew 3:13-17

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It officially brings the Christmas Season to a close. It ushers us into the new liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This feast deeply concerns conversion. It calls us to embrace Jesus Christ as our personal Savior by renouncing sin. It also involves a renewed commitment to live as God’s children.

To renounce sin is a powerful declaration of freedom. It is a conscious and courageous rejection of any lifestyle that feeds the flesh and distances us from God. It is an act of the will. We deny sin and any claim over our lives. We choose, once again, to walk in the light of Christ. On this feast, we are invited to renew our baptismal promises and recommit ourselves to living the Christian virtues faithfully.

Living our baptismal promises begins with our everyday choices: i.e. Refusing to engage in gossip, backbiting, and character assassination within parish groups, societies, and councils. Rejecting tribalism, favoritism, and unhealthy divisions in parish leadership and activities. This is how we “walk away from sin” in practical terms.

In today’s second reading, Peter speaks to Cornelius and his household. He proclaims that after Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, Jesus went about doing good. He healed all who were under the power of the devil. The baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of his life-giving mission. This mission was empowered by the Spirit. It was directed entirely toward the salvation of humanity.

Jesus Christ, who was born on 25th December, is already being baptized by John the Baptist. Isn’t this reflective enough for you and me, to accept that Salvation is NOW! and that there’s no time to waste!

Similarly, the first reading presents Jesus as the Servant of the Lord. He is chosen to bring true justice to the nations. He opens the eyes of the blind and frees captives from bondage. His baptism was the moment when he publicly embraced this divine mission. Baptism commits us to God’s justice. Similarly, our own baptism was more than just a moment of grace. It was a moment of commission. It called us to share in God’s saving work. i.e. treating everyone equally, whether rich or poor, educated or not, ensuring transparency and peaceful conflict resolution tribes, families, parishioners etc. Beloved, this is how we bring true justice to the nation starting from our parish, families, etc..

Too often, we define ourselves by performance – success, failure, usefulness, or approval. But baptism anchors us in a deeper truth: we are beloved children of God. Before we are called to do anything for God, we are claimed by God. The Christian life flows from belonging, not anxiety.

We have been anointed with the same Spirit. We too are sent out, as Jesus was. Our mission is to bring God’s justice and love to the world. This mission calls us especially to care for the weak, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. As the prophet beautifully expresses it, we are called not to break the crushed reed nor quench the wavering flame. For instance, many parishioners have weak or fragile faith: A choir member stopped singing because of a criticism.

In every parish, there are people who are wounded: The widow who no longer attends Mass because no one visits her. The youth struggling with unemployment, addiction, or discouragement. The elderly who feel forgotten. Living our baptism means not judging, but accompanying – a phone call, a visit, a listening ear, or a small act of kindness

We received this calling at a time when we did not yet understand it. We spend our entire lives growing into its meaning. We also grow into its responsibility.

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist hesitates to baptize Jesus. He recognizes his own unworthiness: “It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!” Yet Jesus insists. He says, “Let it be so for now.” Thus, it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. In this moment, Jesus reveals his total obedience to the Father’s will.

By submitting to baptism, Jesus chose to recognize fully with humanity in its fragility and brokenness. Though sinless, he entered the waters of the Jordan as one of us. From the very beginning of his ministry, he stood in solidarity with sinners, the weak, and the forgotten. His entire public life flowed from this moment. He shared tables with sinners. He healed the broken. He forgave the fallen. He restored hope to those crushed by life.

The image of the Servant in today’s first reading finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus. He did not break crushed reeds; instead, he invited them to come to him for rest. To the repentant criminal on the cross, he promised Paradise. He did not quench wavering flames; rather, he rekindled them. Peter, who denied him three times, was not abandoned but restored and entrusted with the care of Christ’s flock.

Assured of the Father’s love at his baptism, Jesus carried that love to the ends of the earth. His whole life proclaimed: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.” This ministry did not end with his resurrection. Even now, through the Holy Spirit, the risen Lord continues to pour God’s love into our hearts. This is true especially when we feel like crushed reeds or flickering flames.

Beloved in Christ, to live a baptized life is to make a radical and lifelong choice. This choice involves resisting whatever draws us away from God. It also includes pursuing the path of Christ in giving, forgiving, teaching, and healing. Through baptism, we are empowered by the Spirit to bless others. We practice generosity and compassion. We also proclaim the Good News not only with our words, but with selfless and hope-filled actions.

To live our baptism is not about extraordinary things. It is about ordinary faithfulness. This means choosing love over hatred, mercy over judgment, and service over self-interest. When a parish lives its baptism well, it becomes a place of healing, belonging, and hope.

In conclusion, beloved in Christ. On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, may we renew our commitment to live fully our baptismal calling. We must walk faithfully as beloved sons and daughters of God.