The Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 55:1-11. Mark 1:7-11

Today we celebrate the baptism of our Lord. In liturgy, this day brings Christmastide to an end. On Christmas day, Jesus reveals himself to the Jews (the shepherds); on Epiphany day, he reveals himself to the Gentiles (the wise men from the East); and on the day of his baptism, he reveals himself to the entire humanity. The baptism of the Lord was also called as 'Theophany (‘God’s Revelation’). For it is here, for the first time, that we have the revelation of God the Trinity (Father as a voice from heaven, Son in human person, and Holy Spirit in the form of a dove).

(a) The River Jordan

Have you ever come across the river Jordan in the OT? Yes. In Joshua 3, Joshua is bringing the people of Israel to the promised land by crossing the river Jordan. The journey of liberation that began under the leadership of Moses concludes in the Jordan where Joshua led the people to the Promised Land. Thus, the river Jordan marks a new beginning in the lives of the people of Israel. Joshua (Jesus) of the New Testament, the originator of the New Israel, gets into the Jordan.

(b) Identity with humanity:

The baptism of John was for the forgiveness of sins and for conversion. Jesus’ going to the Jordan tells us his total identity with humanity. By being baptized, He exercised His full humanity. his mission is started as a man incarnated in our form, full identity with our humanity. until now he was with God, in divine form, but now he takes a different form, fully man. entering into the river Jordan, he starts from zero. 

(c) Baptism with the Holy Spirit

John the Baptist says that the one who comes after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit. At his baptism, the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus. From now on, the Holy Spirit leads him – to the desert to be tempted, and later to the ministry. The Risen Lord breathes on his disciples and gives them the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 20:22). After his ascension, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured on the apostles.

What is the lesson for us today?

Together with Jesus, we must enter the river Jordan. This becomes the starting point of our lives. Our baptism cleansed us from our sin; we are confirmed in faith through the Holy Spirit at confirmation. Let us be led by the Spirit. The Spirit makes us overcome our human frailty.

In the first reading, the Lord tells the people of Israel, “Come to the waters… why do you labor for that which does not satisfy?” Let our hearts be fixed on that which satisfies our inner spirit. In the faithfulness of God rests our faith.