Breaking Open the Word
January 11 - Baptism of the Lord
Introduction
Our Christmas liturgical season comes to an end with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. We begin the first week of Ordinary Time on Monday. Our joyous season of Christmas comes to an end with a public introduction. Usually a new musician, politician, CEO, even teacher begins their work with a public act…a concert, press conference, company meeting, or back-to-school night. Jesus’ public ministry began with John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan river.
In five brief verses, Matthew bridged Jesus’ private life to His public life. Jesus began His public ministry with a sign of repentance and God's power. This annual celebration affords every follower of Christ the opportunity to remember and celebrate our own baptism in Jesus’ name. We also are called to reflect on how we are living as baptized Catholics. Baptism is not a final goal, but the beginning of a lifelong process of becoming one, with Christ, in Christ, and for Christ.
Gospel Explained
St. Matthew describes Jesus's baptism as another epiphany (manifestation) of the promised Messiah, the Servant-Son of God promised by the prophets. Matthew gives two reasons for Jesus' baptism by John. First, John's baptism was to "fulfill all righteousness." In other words, Jesus' baptism was God's will. This was the way Jesus would be introduced to the public. Second, the baptism of Jesus revealed God’s power in Baptism.
The baptism of Jesus was a source of consternation for the early church. Since John’s was a baptism of repentance, why would Jesus, who was sinless, participate in a rite for sinners? Also, why would Jesus, who as the anointed of God, or messiah, submit to the authority of His subordinate? Unlike the other gospels, Matthew recognized the problem of the lesser (John) baptizing the greater (Jesus).
Matthew indicated that John recognized Jesus as the promised messiah before the baptism took place. Despite John’s objections (“I should be baptized by you, yet you come to me!”), Jesus requested and received baptism, explaining that “it would fulfill all of God’s demands.” Some scholars believe that Jesus submitted to baptism in order to express His humble acquiescence to God’s saving purpose and to set an example that sinners should follow. Others are of the opinion that Jesus’ baptism was an outward sign of His desire to associate with and therefore make redemption accessible to sinners. Jesus’ special, salvific role is clearly enunciated and further clarified by the voice from the heavens.
Today's Theme
Jesus's baptism prefigures Christian baptism, which differs from John's baptism of repentance for the Old Covenant people of God. Jesus's baptism is an anointing by the Holy Spirit in preparation for His divine mission as God's supreme prophet, priest, and king, bringing liberation and salvation to His people. In Christian baptism, the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial in Christ's death, from which he rises from the water by resurrection with Christ as a "new creature".
At Jesus’ baptism as He rose from the water: the sky opened, the Spirit descended, and a heavenly voice spoke. (Matthew 3:16-17) Jesus’ public baptism revealed the Holy Trinity’s presence in the world.
The heavens opening (being ripped open, if the Greek is taken literally) meant that the God's realm and the earth were no longer separated. God was one with His people. The kingdom of God was now present.
The descent of the Spirit called and equipped Jesus for a public ministry. The Spirit called Jesus to ministry that would unite people to God. And the Spirit gave Him all the gifts necessary for that ministry. In our baptism and confirmation, the Spirit gives us the same calling and the same gifts. We are to bring others to Christ in private and public ways.
The voice from heaven focused upon Jesus of Nazareth. Obeying the will of the Father, Jesus could now be publicly proclaimed "God's Son," a royal title in Israel's history. In other words, the voice revealed Jesus as the Messiah, God's Anointed. The dual modifiers ("beloved" and "well pleased") emphasized the love relationship between the Father and His Son. The God of Love sent Love into the world in the flesh.
Theme in our Life Today
In the discussion of Christ's baptism, the Catechism constantly refers to His "self-emptying" and God's power. As the instrument of God's will, Jesus emptied Himself so God's power could be made present. By humbling Himself to be baptized by John, Jesus showed His deference to the Father's will. God's will would lead to the death of Jesus and reveal God's power in His resurrection.
To truly be God's instruments, we must be willing to empty ourselves. "Me, first" must become "We, together." "Right now," must become "Your will be done." "I want" must become "what is best for all." Emptying ourselves does not mean losing our identity, our purpose, or our passion. It means seeing the bigger picture and putting others' needs on par with our own. When we act as if "we love others as ourselves," we open ourselves to God, align ourselves with His will, and become His instruments.
In today’s gospel we are reminded that just as Jesus was identified as God’s beloved and favored Son at His baptism, we also are claimed as God’s children and rightful heirs through our baptism. By virtue of today’s feast, each of us is renewed in the significance and blessedness of Christian baptism. Our baptism calls us and empowers us to empty ourselves. Like Christ, our humility can openly declare our trust in God the Father. We are followers of Christ because we act like Christ and are challenged to live more fervently committed to Him, His church and the world.
Prepare for Sunday
Public baptism does not make us spiritually better than anyone else. But it does empower us. God is now one with us. The Spirit calls and equips us to witness to others. And the Father declares we are His beloved children. Baptism enables us to truly be followers of Christ.
Let us use this week to reflect on the following questions…what is my status as a baptized Christian? How is God with me now? How does He empower me to witness to others? How does He declare I am His "beloved" child?