Reading from the Gospel of Matthew
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him. But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him. And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him. And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Chapter: 3, Verses: 13 to 17
Today, we gather to celebrate the Theophany of the Lord, a feast that reveals the profound mystery of Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan by John. This event marks the public manifestation of Jesus as the beloved Son of God and begins His mission of salvation for all humanity.
1. The Revelation of the Trinity
In the Gospel account, we see a unique moment in Scripture where the Holy Trinity is revealed:
• The Son stands humbly in the waters of the Jordan, identifying Himself with sinners though He is sinless.
• The Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, anointing Him for His mission.
• The Father’s voice proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
This is a moment of divine self-disclosure, a theophany, showing us that God is not distant but intimately involved in His creation. It reminds us of our own baptism, where the Trinity claimed us as beloved children.
2. Jesus’ Humility and Solidarity
Jesus’ baptism is a profound act of humility. John the Baptist hesitates, knowing Jesus has no need of repentance, but Jesus insists, saying, “Let it be so now; for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” By stepping into the waters, Jesus identifies with our brokenness and takes upon Himself the weight of human sin. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice He will make on the Cross.
For us, this is a call to humility and solidarity with others, especially the marginalized and suffering. Just as Jesus did not hesitate to enter the murky waters of the Jordan, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the messiness of life, bringing God’s love and light to those in need.
3. The Waters of Renewal
The waters of the Jordan symbolize cleansing, renewal, and the beginning of a new covenant. In baptism, we were washed clean of original sin and became members of Christ’s Body, the Church. But this sacrament is not just a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey. Each day, we are called to renew our commitment to live as disciples of Christ, rejecting sin and striving for holiness.
Let today’s feast remind us of the dignity of our baptism. Are we living as beloved children of God? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, words, and actions?
4. The Mission Ahead
The Theophany is not just a celebration of who Jesus is; it is also a call to action. Jesus’ baptism inaugurates His public ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Likewise, our baptism sends us forth as witnesses to the Gospel. We are called to share the Good News, to love as Christ loved, and to work for justice and peace in our world.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the Baptism of the Lord, let us give thanks for the gift of our own baptism. Let us ask for the grace to live out our identity as God’s beloved children, to walk humbly with Christ, and to courageously fulfill the mission entrusted to us. May the Holy Spirit, who descended upon Jesus, empower us to bring the light of Christ to a world longing for hope and renewal.
