The Baptism of the Lord

Become what you are!

Jesus in His sacred humanity was like us in all things but sin. Yet He presented Himself to John the Baptist for a baptism of repentance from sin. The big question then is: “Why would Jesus present Himself for the baptism of repentance since He was without sin?” When we reflect deeper about the baptism of Jesus, it helps us to understand “Who Jesus is.” Every time we discover a new aspect of the person we love, we stop in wonderment. The Lord’s baptism by John in the Jordan is an “Epiphany of identity” to His “Divine Sonship.” God the Father proclaimed Him “Son” at His baptism: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” His baptism was a deepening of His Incarnation. His complete solidarity with us in our humanity, a solidarity to die for our sins.

Today is a good day to recall our own baptism which gives us our identity too. Through baptism, we become a child of God, sharing God’s life. We become the beloved of God the Father. Our baptism has defined us forever as God’s children, and no one can deface or destroy this identity except ourselves. Sometimes our culture or society tries to convince us that we are unlovable. But the truth is that “God loves us,” because “God is love.” He made us in His image and likeness and adopted us as daughters and sons at our baptism. Isn’t that awesome?

Jesus’ baptism not only clarified “Who Jesus is,” it also gave Jesus His mission: “a covenant to the people; a light to the nations, and to establish justice on earth. Justice understood as righteousness, fidelity to God and goodness.” His call and mission in life gives us this deeper insight that “He is the man for others,” that He is there for us.

We each have our own calling in life as baptized children of God. We must respond to it in the framework of our personal capabilities and the circumstances of time. For example, if a person is a police officer, the person is to work to uphold the law and not to break the law. right? If a person is a doctor, the person has a concern about people’s life and health and not destroying life. If a person is a teacher, the person is oriented toward helping people grow in wisdom and knowledge. Loving services make life more meaningful. This is not to understand life as only a utility.

As God’s children, we are called to live up to that dignity. That is the meaning of “become what you are!” We are happy when we do that for which we are made, and God is pleased with us. A microphone is happy when it does that for which it was made. When it picks up the sound. Reflect on what you consider your main calling in life and how do we fulfill it? “Lord, grant that your children by adoption, may always be pleasing to you.” Amen.