The Baptism of the Lord

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.  John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  Then he allowed him.  After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:14 - 17

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Jesus did not have to be baptized.  He submitted to baptism by John because He wanted to fully embrace our humanity.  Jesus is showing what kind of role model He desired to be.  By embracing baptism, Jesus who knew no sin took on our human frailty to save us from sin.  Jesus wants us to come to Him in every phase of our lives – in the good times as well as in the difficult ones.  He is always there for us if we are open to welcoming Him into our hearts and our lives.  Jesus was open to God’s desires and encourages us to do the same.  He chose to be baptized and after He was His action was affirmed by God.  His loving Father affirmed His pleasure with His Son.  Today is a good day to think about our own baptismal call.  We are called to continue to live out those promises that were taken for us when we are infants.  Let us do so with faith and hope.