In the 13th century, when King Louis IX (1226-1270) was the king of France, he annually held a grand celebration on the day of his baptism rather than on his birthday. His reason was that baptism was the beginning of a life that would continue for eternity in the kingdom of God as a citizen of heaven. Baptism for him is that moment when he became a child of God, more than just being given the gift of life.
Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. It ends the Christmas Season as the adult Jesus marks the beginning of his Public Ministry. His baptism by John in the Jordan River was a turning point in his life. After thirty years of work and quiet as a carpenter, Jesus is officially revealed as the Son of God to the world on this occasion. As described by the four Gospels, three things happened that affected him deeply. Heaven was opened! Since Adam’s disobedience it has always been closed; Jesus made it happen. Then the Spirit descended upon Jesus – he became a man filled with the Holy Spirit and power. Finally, the voice of the Father declared: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Only Jesus delighted God absolutely.
Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our own baptism. In the eyes of faith, this is one of the greatest milestone of our life when we become adopted children of God. This is the moment when God transforms us so deeply that we begin to breath his very life. He gives us our identity and dignity because from then on we know whose we are. We become heirs of heaven and temples of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, this experience of God’s in-dwelling in us is the beginning of a life-long journey to please God in our thoughts, words and deeds. This becomes our mission to be living witnesses of God’s goodness and love in the world.
Prayer:Lord, open my eyes to appreciate the spiritual gifts I have and make me secure in your all-out love for me. Amen.
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