Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7, Ps. 29:1-4,9-10, Matthew 3:13-17
“But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)
The Gospel of Matthew is more than just a narrative of Jesus’s earthly life; it is an Epiphany. From the beginning of His Gospel to the end, Matthew sought above all else to demonstrate to his Jewish audience that Jesus is the direct fulfilment of the promised Messiah. Hence, Matthew, more than any other Gospel writer, constantly quoted (and paraphrased) many passages from the Old Testament that the Jews were very familiar with. The Baptism of Jesus is a clear example of this.
In this reflection, we will explore the significance of baptism, the implications of Jesus’ baptism, and the meaning of the symbols involved. Most importantly, we will consider how Jesus’ baptism influences us as Christians today, namely, the lessons we learn from the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The Baptism of Jesus: Not Just a Mere Cleansing From Sin.
The church regards baptism as a sacrament that cleanses us from original sin (the sin of Adam and Eve), makes us Christians, children of God, and members of the Church. During the time of John the Baptist, baptism was not regarded as a sacrament per se; instead, it was a ritual symbolising repentance from sin and preparing for the Messiah. As John the Baptist noted: “I baptise you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Matthew 3:11)
Jesus was not born with any stain of original sin (his conception was supernatural; the word became flesh in Mary’s womb), and as God in human form, Jesus committed no sin; there was absolutely nothing to repent from. Furthermore, Jesus was the reason John was baptising people. Therefore, John protested when he saw Jesus, but Jesus insisted, saying, “It is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15).
As soon as John the Baptist baptised Jesus, it became clear that Jesus did not come to be cleansed from sin. Instead, Jesus came to reveal (to manifest, to make known – epiphany) Himself to the world as God and as the second person of the Trinity. The heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Those who witnessed this event quickly recalled the passage from Isaiah (where our first reading today comes from), and it dawned on them powerfully that Jesus is not just anybody but God among men; the promised Son of God; the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
2. The Implication of Jesus’ Baptism For Us Today.
First, our celebration of the feast of Jesus’ baptism concludes our Christmas festivities. The Baptism of Jesus was His launch pad; His move from everyday life in the carpentry workshop to full-time Ministry. Jesus’ Baptism served as His Gateway from one life to another, from obscurity to activity. Therefore, we see Baptism as the gateway sacrament; the sacrament of rebirth from the old life to a new life.
Nicodemus asked Jesus: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus explained the rebirth of baptism, saying: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3-5). The day we were baptised is the day we died to our old selves (the life of the flesh) and were born again into a brand-new life; a life of renunciation of sin, rejection of the devil and all his works.
Today, we recall the white cloth placed on our heads on the day of baptism, symbolising sinlessness; we remember the candles we held, signifying our mission to be lights in the world. How faithful have I been to my baptismal promises? Am I living like a person who is born again? Am I still making efforts to keep my dignity unstained till I get to heaven? Am I still a shining example of virtue and morality?
Jesus desired to fulfil all righteousness. He did the right thing even when it was not necessary. Is this my approach to life? The voice of God was heard saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In all honesty, can I say God is pleased with me right now? Is my life pleasing to God? Do I seek to please God or to please human beings? Do I pretend to be good before others while doing evil in secret?
3. Baptism is For All.
Our second reading today comes from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10, where Peter saw a vision that led him to the house of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion (i.e., a Gentile). God showed Peter in a vision not to call anything He made unclean. When Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius in Joppa, he was still speaking when the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his entire household. Peter then realised that “God shows no partiality, but everyone who does right from any nation is acceptable to Him.”
On that occasion, we are told that Peter baptised Cornelius and his entire household, which must have included infants, children, teenagers, and adults. Truly, no one should ever be denied the privilege of baptism. We baptise infants on the parents’ faith, recognising their responsibility to raise them to live holy lives and keep their baptismal promises. Parents and Sponsors who fail in this duty will answer for it on the day of their judgment.
4. Renew Your Baptismal Vows Today.
We may have forgotten our baptism, but as we remember Jesus today, it is an opportunity to renew our vows and call on God to grant us the grace to remain faithful. To refresh our memories, let us answer these questions by reflecting on how well we have kept our baptismal vows.
Do you reject Satan? And all his works?
Do you reject sin, to live in the freedom of God’s children?
Do you reject the glamour of evil and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptised in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Baptism of the Lord – Feast, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7, Ps. 29:1-4,9-10, Matthew 3:13-17)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu